Ruben Amorim told Manchester United star will benefit from making temporary position change

Ruben Amorim has attempted to improve the levels of several Manchester United players by adjusting their positions in his system.

Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim in November and the Portuguese coach has since had difficulties making the squad play in his preferred style.

The midfield has posed some issues for Amorim, including the use of Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.

Mainoo, 19, came through the Academy last season and was one of the club’s best players in his debut campaign.

The England international had only just recovered from injury when Amorim joined the club, so his integration back into the side was being taken carefully.

He seemed to have some struggles coming back into the side and so the Portuguese boss decided to use him further forward as a no.10 in recent fixtures.

Mainoo impressed, particularly in the Europa League clash against FCSB, but has since suffered an injury setback that will keep him out for another few weeks.

It is expected that the teenager continues in the more advanced position when he is back in action, especially due to United’s limited numbers in the attacking line.

Parker thinks Mainoo will benefit from playing no.10 at United

Ex-United fullback Paul Parker believes that Mainoo’s long-term position is slightly deeper as a central midfield player.

However, he also explains that – for now – the most important thing for the teenager is regular game-time and even adds that playing further forward at the moment is helping round out his skillset.

“I think Kobbie’s best position is a bit more defensive, so a regular midfield player,” Parker said in an interview with bettingexpert.

“Long term I see him as a central midfielder. No doubt about that. But the most important thing for him right now is to play and it doesn’t matter which position he plays. He needs game under his belt, and whether that’s a more attacking or defensive role doesn’t matter.

“He has been playing a lot more in the number 10 position, behind the striker, and I actually think it makes sense, however I don’t see his future there.”

“I think it can help him mature, and it can actually be good to play a bit out of position, because in the future he will have a better understanding of what the number 10´s would like from him because he has been in that position himself.

“He is making different runs now, he is having the ball in different situations than usual, and I think it can help him know which type of runs that is necessary for a number 10, and maybe he will be able to link up with the attacking players better in the future.”

Mainoo’s limited season could be blessing in disguise

After his debut campaign, it should have been anticipated that Mainoo would have a difficult year this time around.

He was relied on too much under Erik ten Hag and then became a key figure for England in the summer at Euro 2024, with no real rest before being thrown back into Premier League action.

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Having somewhat limited involvement this season could end up being a blessing in disguise for the player, although Amorim does need to figure out his best role.

Parker is likely correct. For now, playing further forward can help Mainoo’s game but in the long-term, he should be part of the midfield engine room as that is where you can get the best of his abilities.

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