Ruben Amorim backs Kobbie Mainoo as Manchester United’s future
Ruben Amorim backs Kobbie Mainoo as a key part of Manchester United’s long-term plans despite the midfielder’s reduced role and injury setbacks this season.
The 20-year-old has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, making just 12 appearances in all competitions, with only one start coming in the Carabao Cup. Amorim previously challenged the England international to “fight for his job, but a calf injury sustained in training before Sunday’s defeat to Aston Villa has temporarily halted that opportunity.
United are currently missing a further seven first-team players, yet Mainoo’s absence has underlined what has been a frustrating campaign for the academy graduate.
Ruben Amorim backs Kobbie Mainoo despite limited game time
Despite his lack of minutes, Amorim insists he is taking a long-term view and believes Mainoo remains central to the club’s future.
“Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity all the time,” Amorim said.
“He can play in different positions. He can play as a defensive midfielder, he can play if we use three in midfield, or in the position Mason Mount played in the last game, as a number 10 who drops inside.
“So he is going to be the future of Manchester United, that is my feeling. He just needs to wait for his chance. In football, everything can change in two days.”
Amorim reiterated that he backs Kobbie Mainoo to become a key figure at Old Trafford once he regains full fitness.
January loan move unlikely
Amorim also played down the prospect of Mainoo leaving on loan during the January transfer window — a move now made even less likely by his recent injury.
“If we are not getting someone, it is hard to let someone leave,” he said.
“Even with a full squad, we are already short. So it’s going to be difficult for players to go unless we bring in replacements.”
Contract uncertainty for Casemiro and Maguire
Casemiro and Harry Maguire are both out of contract at the end of the season.
While midfield reinforcement remains a priority, Amorim also addressed the futures of Casemiro and Harry Maguire, both of whom are out of contract at the end of the season. United do hold a 12-month extension option on Casemiro.
“There is no decision,” Amorim said.
“We have a lot to do and need to understand what next season will look like, especially with European football.
“I am really happy with them, but I don’t know what is going to happen.”
Reinforcements are not guaranteed in January
Ahead of United’s upcoming clash with Newcastle, Amorim insisted he would not be disappointed if reinforcements failed to arrive next month.
“No,” he said.
“We are struggling at the moment, but the club has a plan, and we are sticking with it.
“If we have the opportunity to bring in a player who we believe is the future of the club, we will do it. If not, we have Jack Fletcher, Shea Lacey, and soon we’ll have players returning — Amad, Nous Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo. So we’ll see.”
