Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has delivered a resounding vote of confidence in young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, labelling him the club's future despite a season spent largely on the sidelines.
Amorim's Firm Backing for the Youngster
The 20-year-old academy graduate has featured 11 times in the Premier League this season, but every single one of those appearances has been as a substitute. He has yet to start a league match under Amorim. However, any concerns about his standing at Old Trafford were firmly dismissed by the Portuguese manager ahead of Newcastle's Boxing Day visit, a match Mainoo will miss with a calf injury.
"He is going to be the future of Manchester United. That is my feeling," Amorim stated unequivocally. He urged patience from the player, highlighting football's capacity for rapid change. "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."
Versatility Key to Breaking Into the Team
A key factor in Amorim's belief is Mainoo's tactical flexibility. The coach pointed out that the England youth international is capable of filling multiple roles in the United midfield, increasing his chances of earning more minutes.
"The position of Casemiro [No 6], he can do it," Amorim explained. "He can play if we play with three in midfield. He can play like we play in the position of Mason Mount [No 10]." This adaptability could prove crucial in the coming weeks, with captain Bruno Fernandes sidelined long-term and other attacking options like Amad Diallo away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Loan Move Conditional as System May Adapt
While Amorim acknowledged this month that a January loan was a possibility for Mainoo, he has now set a clear condition for any temporary departure. "If we are not getting someone, it is hard to leave," he said, indicating the club would need to secure a replacement first. The United hierarchy are known to be against a permanent sale.
Amorim also hinted at a potential tactical shift away from his preferred 3-4-3 formation, which could further open doors for players like Mainoo. "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," he admitted, suggesting a more pragmatic approach to maximise the quality of his current squad.
The manager also addressed the contract situations of senior players Casemiro and Harry Maguire, both in the final year of their deals. While praising Casemiro's exemplary training ethic, Amorim said decisions would be influenced by whether United qualify for European competition next season. The Brazilian's substantial weekly wage of around £365,000 complicates any potential contract extension.
