Manchester United Manager Talk About 20-Year Old Kobbie Mainoo

By

Bayu Pradana

15 December, 07:37

Ruben Amorim press conference before Manchester United's match
Ruben Amorim press conference

Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim was Responding to Criticism on Mainoo’s Game Time. Mainoo has been talked about a lot since the start of the season after fans and former United players said that he should get more minutes, and even start more games for United.

Amorim said that every player in the team can change his mind, with the biggest example of it being Casemiro. Last season, Casemiro was behind Toby Collyer in the squad, and he proved that he could perform better and regain his spot in the starting 11. Collyer currently is on loan at West Brom in the Championship, and currently struggling to get consistent game time.

Amorim said to Sky Sports on Friday:

“I think I proved that if you change my mind [you can get into the team]. Casemiro is the biggest example. He was behind Toby and now he is a starter.”

“The door is open for any player to change my mind. But in the end, it’s going to be the training, the games. Of course, he’s not playing so many games, but Kobbs, he had opportunities, especially last year.

“I just look at the team and try to win the next game. I will do that until the end.

“Kobbs is one more player that I understand all the interests. I understand how important it is. The hopes that you guys and English guys have. I also just want to win. If he’s the right guy, I will put him in. No problem.”

He also said that the only reason Mainoo gets less game time is because he competes for the same position with Bruno Fernandes, who has always been available this season. If Mainoo is to play in Casemiro’s position, he needs to work on his defensive habits.

Amorim said:

“He can play in that position, but it’s hard sometimes,”

“If you look at our team with [Matheus] Cunha, Bryan [Mbeumo], Bruno [Fernandes], that you guys say is a No 10, sometimes Kobbie Mainoo, you have to think, I’m the guy for blocking transitions, all these things.

“He needs to spend more time there, but he can be in the future in that position. So I don’t know what is going to happen.”

Recent criticism came from Former Manchester United players, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand. Scholes and Nicky Butt in their podcast said that Amorim is ruining Mainoo’s career at Manchester United by not giving him the game time he needs. 

Also Read: Manchester United Could be Without AFCON Trio for Gameweek 16 – Price In UK

Recent Criticism to Manchester United’s Manager Ruben Amorim

Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United player from academy
Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United player from academy

Rio also reacted to the podcast and made his own video and agreed with what Scholes said. Rio also added that if he was in Mainoo’s position, he would ask his agent to find him a big European club that could guarantee his game time and not wasting his time at Manchester United with the current situation.

Fans are also split into two side, one side agree with what the former players said, and the other agree that Mainoo should work harder and change the coach’s mind in order for him to be in the starting 11.

Under Erik Ten Hag, Mainoo got more game time in the later part of 2023/24 season as Cristian Eriksen was dealing with many injuries. Being in the double pivot alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the no.10 position. He then got more trust earlier part in the 2024/25 season before he injured. When Amorim arrived, Mainoo was being a sub most games and until this point.

Discover information about related topic in Price In UK, where you can catch more Manchester United’s news.

What do you think the reason behind the lack of game time Mainoo has this season under Ruben Amorim?

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Bayu Pradana

Bayu Pradana is a dedicated football reporter for PriceInUK.com, focusing on the Premier League, match reports, live updates, and breaking news. His coverage highlights tactical details, player performance, and key moments that shape the season

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