Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is under the microscope this week after failed transfer talks and a challenge from head coach Ruben Amorim to prove he deserves a regular spot.
The 20-year-old had asked to go out on loan due to frustration over limited first-team opportunities, but United blocked the move before the transfer deadline.
Now, with injuries to Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, Mainoo saw action in the second half of United’s 3-2 win over Burnley and could start in Sunday’s high-stakes Manchester derby.
Coach Talks and High Expectations
Amorim has personally spoken to Mainoo about his situation, emphasizing that he believes the young England international has room to grow.
“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more,” said the United head coach.
“I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed, but I did this week because I don’t want Kobbie thinking I was just holding onto him.
I believe a lot in Kobbie, but he can improve in many areas.”
The message from Amorim is clear: Mainoo is not yet a finished product.
While some players might be content with their current level, the Portuguese coach insists he is pushing Mainoo to reach his full potential.
Competing for Midfield Spots
Under former manager Erik ten Hag, Mainoo had been a regular in United’s lineup, but he has struggled to cement his place in Amorim’s system.
The coach recently highlighted that Mainoo is competing directly with captain Bruno Fernandes for midfield influence.
Injuries to Cunha and Mount could see Fernandes shift into a No. 10 role for Sunday’s clash at the Etihad.
“The way I play is completely different from the last manager,” Amorim explained. “Kobbie was the only guy who calmed the game.
Now we have other players who can do that. Sometimes I expect more from Kobbie, and I know he can deliver.
He has the technical ability, but he needs more pace, a better understanding of his position, and to play at different speeds. These things matter when choosing the team.”
Facing Tough Competition
Amorim acknowledged that United’s midfield features top-class players, including Casemiro, Manu Ugarte, and of course, Bruno Fernandes.
Mainoo will need to outperform these competitors to secure his place, a challenge the coach believes is within his reach.
“Kobbie Mainoo is a very, very good player, but so is Bruno,” Amorim said.
“I need to choose the lineup based on who can perform at the highest level.”
Derby Day and Leadership Pressure
Manchester City enters the 197th derby on the back of consecutive losses, but Amorim dismissed comparisons with Pep Guardiola.
“No, you cannot compare,” he said. “Guardiola is winning all the time and can relax.
I have to prove myself every day here, and that’s how it is. Comparing me with him is just a joke.”
With Sunday’s Manchester derby looming, all eyes will be on Mainoo to see whether he can rise to the occasion and make a lasting impact under Amorim’s high expectations.