Ruben Amorim says the player has faced “some issues” adapting to the system
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged Kobbie Mainoo is still adjusting to his tactical demands but said the midfielder is working hard to stake his claim for a place in the side.
Mainoo was an unused substitute in United’s opening-day defeat to Arsenal and has found opportunities limited so far under Amorim, whose two-man midfield setup does not seem to suit the 20-year-old’s current abilities.
Amorim admitted the system has posed challenges for the player.
“We had some issues but we play with two midfielders, so it’s sometimes a different way of playing,” said United’s manager.
Mainoo broke into the first team in the 2022-23 season under Erik ten Hag and was quickly hailed as the future of United’s midfield. He then received an England call-up and played in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. But the following season opportunities became limited, particularly after Amorim was brought in to replace Ten Hag.
The Portuguese manager said that leaving the youngster on the bench against Arsenal does not mean he won’t have a key role to play in his squad this season.
“We have to understand, they have to understand, especially the young players, that there are phases in the season,” said Amorim.
“Nowadays it’s normal with a lot of games, things are going to change, but he is there, he’s fighting, he’s training, so he’s one more option for us to win games.”
