Ruben Amorim is preparing for Manchester United’s away clash against Aston Villa and Kobbie Mainoo was once again a topic ahead of the game.
Manchester United will aim to continue their strong away form when they visit Aston Villa on Sunday, in a match that will provide a stern test for the Reds.
Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled to close out games at Old Trafford, highlighted by Monday’s dramatic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, but their away performances have been far more reliable.
United are unbeaten on the road since late September, with wins over Liverpool and Crystal Palace and draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
That record will be severely tested at Villa Park. Unai Emery’s in-form side are on a nine-game league winning run and sit just three points off leaders Arsenal.
United also travel with a depleted squad. Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui are away at AFCON, Casemiro is suspended, and Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire remain injured.
Amorim explains what Mainoo can do to make him ‘so happy’
Kobbie Mainoo has struggled for game-time under Amorim this season and has not started any Premier League fixtures. He impressed in his latest cameo off the bench against Bournemouth.
The Portuguese boss has been criticised for his treatment of the academy star by many fans, although it looks like Mainoo could start at Villa Park.
With Casemiro suspended for the game, Amorim has hinted that Mainoo is set to start but he has also claimed that he wants the 20-year-old to make a statement on the pitch.
Just like Casemiro did previously, Amorim wants Mainoo to show that he can not be dropped and that would make the manager ‘so happy’.
“Maybe the next game [on Sunday], he’s going to start. If he plays well, he’s going to show everyone this guy cannot take me out the team, and I will be so happy,” the United boss said.
“So, I don’t care. I don’t want to show nothing to anyone. I’m just saying that I’m trying to win games and to show to the players that if you do things right, you will play no matter the name.”
Mainoo can change Amorim’s mind
For a player like Mainoo, coming off the bench for 15 or 20 minutes and making an impact is difficult. Midfielders are the players who probably need rhythm the most but he produced a solid display last week.
While many are frustrated with Amorim, he has shown before that he is willing to be proven wrong about players and Mainoo can do that, but Villa will be a difficult opponent.
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It will be interesting to also see Mainoo’s role in midfield should he start in this clash, especially considering United could line up with a midfield three.
Asked about his formation ahead of the game, Amorim added: “It depends on the way we play in that particular week but if we have to change for a back four, we change for a back four.”
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