Head coach says the 20-year-old is “the future of Manchester United”
Kobbie Mainoo is still central to Manchester United’s plans and the midfielder’s standing within the squad can change in “two days”, according to Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo will miss Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford on Boxing Day because of a calf injury, extending a spell in which he has struggled for minutes under Amorim. The 20-year-old has not started a Premier League match this season, but the head coach was clear that he was a key part of the club’s vision.
“He is going to be the future of Manchester United,” Amorim said. “That is my feeling. So you just need to wait for each chance and everything can change in football in two days. He will have the opportunity that he has all the time to force his way in.”
Amorim highlighted Mainoo’s adaptability as a key reason for his confidence that the player will break into the starting XI soon. The head coach pointed out that the midfielder can operate across several roles in United’s system.
“He can play in the position of Casemiro, he can play if we play with three in midfield, he can play like we play in the position of Mason Mount,” Amorim said.
Earlier this month, Amorim had left open the possibility of a loan move for Mainoo, though he now suggests that scenario would only be realistic if United strengthened elsewhere.
“If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave,” Amorim said, also stressing concerns about squad depth, particularly given injuries and international absences in the United squad.
Those absences could yet open a door for Mainoo when he returns to fitness. Captain Bruno Fernandes is facing a spell on the sidelines and Amorim has already said young players need to step up. Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo may not return from the Africa Cup of Nations until mid-January.
The United head coach also hinted again that his preferred 3-4-3 system may need adjustment given the current makeup of the squad.
“We can play a different way to take more quality from these players,” Amorim said. “If we have to play a perfect 3-4-3 we need to spend a lot of money and we need time. I’m starting to understand that is not going to happen so maybe I have to adapt.”
