Ruben Amorim issues Kobbie Mainoo challenge after late Man United exit falls through
Kobbie Mainoo has been told what he must to do regain his position in the Man United starting XI after Ruben Amorim listed his demands.
The 20-year-old has yet to start a game in the Premier League this season, having made one appearance as a substitute and one start in the Carabao Cup.
Amorim previously explained that Mainoo is competing with Bruno Fernandes for his place in the XI, raising question marks about his role.
The Man United boss was slammed for his decision, as the midfielder was issued an “impossible challenge” to try and force his way back into the manager’s plans.
With the Manchester derby against Man City quickly approaching, it is now considered unlikely that the midfielder will be involved from the start after Amorim‘s latest comments.
Ruben Amorim issues new Kobbie Mainoo demand
Amorim has been widely criticised for his treatment of Mainoo, but has now spoken publicly to explain his decision as he demands more of the midfielder.
“I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for (Mainoo) it is not enough,” he told The Athletic, “I think he needs to have the technical ability that he has, but he needs more pace.
“He needs to understand the position better. He needs to play in different speeds. Sometimes it’s lower. Sometimes it’s faster, and I think he can improve on that.”
Amorim has made it clear that Mainoo must step up the pace of his game to play more of a prominent role in his system, with the midfield duo key to its success.
In a box-to-box role, the England international is expected to cover ground both defensively and going forward and must do so quickly to avoid being caught out.
Having now been clear in his demands, the boss will be keeping a close eye on his progress despite ongoing concerns about his treatment of Mainoo.
Man United block Mainoo’s Old Trafford exit after loan demand
Mainoo asked to leave Man United on loan in the closing stages of the transfer window, and the likes of Napoli and Atletico Madrid were credited with an interest.
However, Football Insider revealed on 30 August that Mainoo would not be allowed to leave Man United, and he ultimately remained at Old Trafford.
That is despite him having fallen down the pecking order under Amorim, with the new demands raising further questions about his long-term future.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 25 August that Mainoo could be tempted to quit Man United as a result of the manager’s decisions.
While his departure has been blocked as things stand, the situation is likely to boil over again in January with all eyes now on the England star’s involvement.
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