Rúben Amorim has been blasted for creating a “bizarre” situation that Manchester United must pressure him to change in the coming weeks.
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United have had a less-than-ideal start to the season this year, narrowly beating Burnley at home in extra time for their first win of this campaign after sensationally crashing out of the Carabao Cup midweek against second division Grimsby Town.
The manager has been under increased pressure from critics and fans alike, with many wondering what needs to change for the squad to start winning consistently.
New signings in attack, such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Šeško, were brought in to aid the team in completing the goal set by Jim Ratcliffe last season of a top-six finish in the Premier League this season.
Unfortunately for the Red Devils, they haven’t started off as strongly as they would have liked, with weakness being shown in some key areas of the pitch, and sloppy goals being conceded.
This is why, for many, including TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist, it seems strange that a young, motivated player like Kobbie Mainoo would not be given a chance in this team.
Amorim blasted for current Mainoo conundrum
“It’s bizarre,” McCoist explained. “I don’t understand what’s going on with Kobbie Mainoo because you’d think that the way Manchester United are, he would be good enough to get into that team.
“The manager came out and effectively said he’s challenging [Bruno] Fernandes for that position, which I don’t think is a battle he’s going to win.
“So if he’s not going to win that battle, it doesn’t look as though he’s going to play. It’s strange. Very, very strange.”
Mainoo played the full 90 minutes of United’s disappointing defeat to Grimsby Town in the week, but has made just one substitute appearance so far in the Premier League, coming on in their 3-2 victory over Burnley.
There are also rumours that negotiations to extend the 20-year-old’s contract beyond its current end in 2027 have stalled, with football journalist David Ornstein believing Mainoo is desperate to move elsewhere this season.
Mainoo wants to leave, but United are blocking his path
Ornstein also spoke about the situation live on TNT Sports, saying: “Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave on loan, no doubt about it, Manchester United do not intend to sanction his departure.
“You never know if a whopping big transfer offer comes in, it could happen in football, but they’d need a replacement as well. It’s extremely difficult, and there are many clubs that would like to sign Kobbie Mainoo.
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“But at the moment, he’s going nowhere. Could they bring in a midfielder? Maybe on loan before the deadline. That’s on the recruitment agenda, whether that’s now or in the future.”
So, for now, it looks as if Mainoo is set to stay and battle it out for his place in United’s midfield. Only time will tell whether a potential lack of game time will be detrimental to this Academy star’s future within the club.
However, if United truly want the talented midfielder to stay at the club this season and compete for a starting spot, they must pressure Amorim to give the 20-year-old a genuinely fair shot.
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