Kobbie Mainoo is competing with Bruno Fernandes for a Manchester United midfield spot
This is the story of the second league match of the season, and once again, Manchester United had to face disappointment. The match was played against Fulham at Craven Cottage, where United played well in the beginning, and Matheus Cunha’s shot hit the post.
Bruno Fernandes got a chance to score from a penalty, but he missed, and the team could not gain the lead. In the second half, Leny Yoro’s header deflected from Rodrigo Muniz and went into the net, and United went ahead. However, Fulham did not give up, and Emile Smith Rowe scored the equaliser from Alex Iwobi’s cross. Both teams tried till the end, but there was no decisive moment and the match ended at 1-1. This result was again disappointing for United.
Amorim’s opinion and Mainoo’s situation
After this match, manager Ruben Amorim said a big thing about Kobbie Mainoo, which was reported in the Manchester Evening News. Amorim said Mainoo will have to fight for a position with Bruno Fernandes. He made it clear that his 3-4-2-1 system has a place for a defensive midfielder and an attacking midfielder, and Fernandes is still his first choice.
Amorim said that against Fulham, he used more defensive options at the start instead of attacking changes because he felt the team needed strength. So Benjamin Sesko was brought in later, but Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee had to wait for the chance. Amorim also said that Mainoo will have to prove himself in training with Bruno, and he can also play with Fernandes at some point.
“He’s fighting for the position now with Bruno.”
“And I change two midfielders. I let Mason Mount [play] there because we want to score a goal and when I changed I felt the team need to return to one holding midfielder near Bruno.”
“So he (Mainoo) just needs to fight for the position with Bruno, as [it] should be at Manchester United. [Sometimes] he’s going to play with Bruno, but at the moment he’s fighting in training with Bruno for the position.”
Mainoo’s current situation is a bit confusing. He has been on the bench in both matches of the season so far and is expected to get a chance in the League Cup against Grimsby Town. Mainoo has started in only fifteen matches since Amorim’s arrival, which is a low figure for a young player. That is why the 20-year-old’s name has been linked to many clubs in recent months, and there have been talks of a transfer. However, Amorim’s stance is clear that Mainoo will have to work hard to find a place. Earlier, Amorim also hinted that there has been no progress in the renewal of the midfielder.
We are surprised to think that Mainoo has been put in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes is the captain and naturally has a place in the starting eleven, so Mainoo’s chances are limited. It is disappointing that Amorim did not give Mainoo a chance, because in such a situation, the young player’s confidence may drop.
Limiting Mainoo only to cup matches is not good for his development. Amorim should gradually include Mainoo in big league matches as well, so that he can learn and develop under pressure. Competition with Fernandes will definitely make Mainoo stronger, but if he does not get consistent opportunities, the club may lose a valuable talent.
Amorim must now understand that it is important to make Mainoo a part of the team, as he is a talented player, but if he keeps getting sidelined, we are afraid that the club will lose a valuable gem in the form of the English international. Meanwhile, Manchester United dig in their heels as Saudi giants circle for Bruno Fernandes.