Ruben Amorim has claimed that Kobbie Mainoo is “the future of Manchester United” and that the 20-year-old’s versatility increases his chances of breaking into the team soon.
Mainoo has a calf problem that rules him out of Newcastle’s visit to Old Trafford on Boxing Day but Amorim offered his firmest backing yet for a player he has not started in any of United’s 17 Premier League matches.
The head coach said: “He is going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling. So you [Mainoo] 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 pointed to Mainoo’s ability to play a variety of roles. “The position of Casemiro [No 6], he can do it. He can play if we play with three in midfield. He can play like we play in the position of Mason Mount [No 10].”
Amorim said this month he was open to a loan for Mainoo, who the United hierarchy do not want to sell, but has now indicated a move would be possible only if a replacement were signed. “If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave,” he said.
With the United captain, Bruno Fernandes, out for a prolonged period with an injury and Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo – two possible No 10s – at the Africa Cup of Nations, Mainoo may get more game time when fit.
Amorim has previously suggested he may change from his 3-4-3 system. The Portuguese expanded on why, saying: “We can play a different way to take more quality from these players because I have the feeling that 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.”
Casemiro and Harry Maguire are each in the final year of their contracts and Amorim was asked whether a decision has been made on either player. The Brazilian’s deal has a one-year option but his weekly salary of around £365,000 makes him United’s highest earner and means it is unlikely an extension will be triggered.
“We need to understand what is going to happen in the next season – if there will be the European games,” Amorim said. “At this moment, we are not thinking about that. I’m really happy with them.”
Amorim was glowing in his praise of Casemiro’s work ethos. “If everyone trains like him, if everyone is so focused on the detail, even in training, in set pieces training, even when they are playing 10-versus-goalkeeper, and the movements that he made imagining the game, we will be a top team.”
