Kobbie Mainoo is currently at the most important stage of his Manchester United career. After playing for England at Euro 2024 and becoming a trusted figure during Erik ten Hag’s era, his position had changed by September 2025. Mainoo’s place has become unstable since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, and he has been tried in different positions.
This has led to questions about his development, especially after he requested a loan move in the summer, which the club rejected. At that time, there were also reports that Manchester United would release Mainoo only when they found a suitable replacement, but that situation has not arisen yet. Amorim has made it clear that the 20-year-old will have to work harder to find his place and adjust to the system.
Amorim’s comments and the real challenge
Amorim discussed the young English talent in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Manchester derby. The 40-year-old reiterated that Mainoo has the talent, but he is still not a finished product. The manager wants Mainoo to improve his positional awareness and tempo in midfield. Amorim explained that United players must learn to play in different positions and at different speeds in various phases of the game.
The Portuguese manager stated that Mainoo will not get the No. 8 role, as Bruno Fernandes fills that position and it requires constant box-to-box running. On the other hand, if Amorim uses him as a No. 6, then Mainoo will have to hold his position and avoid forward runs so the team can retain its defensive shape. Although Amorim said the situation is unfair to the young midfielder, he is doing everything he can to facilitate Mainoo’s development.
On the other hand, if Mainoo plays at number 6, he must stay in position after passing the ball to keep the team balanced. During this, Amorim admitted that this situation is a bit unfair for Mainoo, but he reiterated that he is doing all this to help his development. Interestingly, reports from Spain have suggested that Real Madrid have been keeping tabs on Mainoo, which has fueled the debate about his future.
“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done [the finished article]. I think he can do so much better; he can improve in a lot. He is a top, top player, but he can be so much better,’ Amorim told a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby. ‘I think for some guys it is enough [their talent], but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.
“If I feel during the week that someone is the best player to play, then he is going to play. And that I proved already to every player here. Kobbie Mainoo is really good at controlling the game, but if he plays as a No. 8, he has to reach the box, returning [tracking back], and sometimes he has to cover a lot of space with just two. Bruno is doing that job. And then sometimes it’s bad luck.
“Bruno is maybe the more influential player in the last few years, and he’s been playing in that position. Kobbie Mainoo could play as a No 6, but sometimes he passes the ball and goes away, and it’s not a reference as a six, so we have to balance everything.”
Quote via: Metro
How can United and Mainoo solve this deadlock?
We think Mainoo’s biggest challenge in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 is adapting his style to the system. If he plays as a No. 6, he must be more disciplined and stay central after releasing the ball. If the 20-year-old were to play as a No. 8, he would have to compete with Bruno Fernandes and increase his defensive output significantly. This includes recovering into large spaces and maintaining a consistent rhythm. Amorim has also used him in other roles, and he played as a No. 10 in a Europa League match, where he showed creativity and helped the team progress. The Portuguese manager could also try him as a tuck-in winger or No. 10, where his touch and link-up play could prove useful.
The question is how long Mainoo can stay at Manchester United. His loan request made it clear he wants consistent playing time to keep his place in the England squad. Despite Amorim’s praise, his strict system and the presence of players such as Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte make the road difficult.
A loan move in the January transfer window seems likely, as it could give him consistent minutes in a new environment. Ultimately, Mainoo’s success will depend on how quickly he adapts to Amorim’s demands, seizes opportunities and displays versatility in different tactical roles. As United fans, we hope Mainoo stays patient, keeps working hard and proves his worth when the team need him most.