Ruben Amorim has confirmed Kobbie Mainoo is an option to play in defensive midfield for Manchester United amid his lack of playing time this season.
The 20-year-old is unhappy with his reduced squad role and was previously told he is in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for the same central midfield spot. Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League match this season and is expected to request a loan exit next month to enhance his hopes of a World Cup call-up.
Mainoo is unlikely to be picked ahead of Fernandes in the heart of the United midfield, but could also be considered as an alternative for Casemiro in the deeper role. It is not a position he has played too often in his senior career, though Amorim admitted it could be one way to use him if they ever need a replacement for the Brazil international.
Mainoo considered for defensive midfield role
Speaking ahead of Manchester United’s home match with AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, Ruben Amorim was asked if he considered Kobbie Mainoo as an option for the defensive midfield role.
“Yes, he can,” Amorim told reporters. “Against West Ham was Manu (Ugarte). That comes for Bruno’s position. Bruno goes up because I was feeling that with 10 minutes it’s going to be long balls, second balls. I was thinking that, I think it was against Everton. I took Casemiro out and I put Kobbie in that because we were trying to play a different game.
“He can play in that position. But it’s hard sometimes. If you look at our team with Cunha, Bryan, sometimes Bruno, that you guys say is a No.10. Sometimes Kobbie, Manu, 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 that position.
“So I don’t know what is going to happen. Again, I’m always talking about the same thing. Toby and this injury is returning here. He played. He’s from the academy. He played here. He went to West Bromwich. He’s not playing. He played for Manchester United. So sometimes it’s not because he’s from the academy or whatever. It’s the situation, what’s happened. I don’t know what is going to be the future. Let’s see after this match.”
When rather bluntly asked if he simply rated Mainoo as a footballer, Amorim added: “Of course. Like everyone else. The problem is that we are playing with two and you guys see Kobbie in a different way than I’m seeing. Maybe if you play with three midfielders, not with just two, but with three, Kobbie will have more minutes. Imagine that this happens. Someone in front is going to lose their spot. Sometimes it’s just the moment. Again, I think I proved that. If you change my mind, because Casemiro is I think the biggest example. He was behind Toby and now he’s a star.”
