Paul Scholes’ previous comments about one Manchester United outcast now speaks volumes about Ruben Amorim’s decision with them.
Manchester United started the new Premier League season with a defeat against Arsenal but there were positives to take away from that game.
In the following clash with Fulham, the Reds earned a draw away from home but the consensus afterwards was much more negative after an underwhelming display.
One of the biggest issues in both of those games was the centre of midfield. Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro started alongside each other and Manuel Ugarte came off the bench in these fixtures.
It is no secret that United need to strengthen in the middle of the park but you don’t necessarily need to buy someone to do that.
What Scholes said about United outcast speaks volumes
Kobbie Mainoo played zero minutes across the two games against Arsenal and Fulham which has angered many fans.
Amorim has claimed that the 20-year-old is fighting for a spot in the team with Fernandes, who has missed just two games since the Portuguese boss took charge.
While there were difficulties with fitness and form for the midfielder last term, he was one of the club’s best players during his debut campaign in the first-team.
That also came in a midfield which left plenty of open space, which begs the question why he cannot do the same job in this system.
Paul Scholes once described Mainoo as ’10 times the player I was at 19′ and those comments speak volumes about Amorim’s decision to leave him out of the team. He needs to find a way to give him a genuine chance in the team soon.
On social media after the 2024 FA Cup final, Scholes wrote: “Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week… don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19. Just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and of course big goals in big games. The boy is special… and he’s a f***ing Red [two heart emojis]… laters.”
Mainoo deserves a chance to prove himself
Amorim cannot expect United fans to buy the idea that Mainoo is simply Fernandes’ competition. He will start less than five games this season if that is the case.
Yes, perhaps in the long run that role is Mainoo’s best in this system but that doesn’t mean he cannot play in different positions and roles in the meantime.
That no.6 position does not suit Casemiro or Ugarte entirely either. Mainoo shouldn’t need to be a top one percent athlete to play in that position. He needs to improve his defensive positioning and anticipation – that can be strengthened on the training pitch.
Scholes waxed lyrical about the youngster, as has many other people, and while he should not be a guaranteed starter for the club, he deserves time on the pitch to prove himself.
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