Ruben Amorim must unleash Man United talent vs Brentford loved by Erik ten Hag
Manchester United have had a tough start to their Premier League campaign, facing three of last season’s top four.
Man United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea bought boss Ruben Amorim time after a shaky start to the season left his side on the back foot.
Amorim will be looking to avoid the sack at Man United with a favourable run of fixtures coming up ahead of October’s international break.
Man United reportedly have a shortlist of names set if they are to sack Amorim during the October break, should results not improve.
Kobbie Mainoo the key to success for Ruben Amorim
Amorim will be without Casemiro against Brentford on Saturday due to the Brazilian’s red card against Chelsea.
The Portuguese head coach will likely turn to Manuel Ugarte to deputise for Casemiro, but Kobbie Mainoo may also possess the skillset to bring Amorim some needed success.
Mainoo is a skilled carrier of the ball, and he showcased that ability against Man City in the Manchester derby two weeks ago.
United’s midfield has been a high-profile weakness for Amorim this season, with teams often exploiting the poor balance in the Red Devils’ duo.
Mainoo would bring composure in possession and tenacity without the ball, and could prove Erik ten Hag correct after his comments on the midfielder.
Ten Hag, speaking after Mainoo scored the winning goal for Man United in the FA Cup said: “It was really incredible to watch Kobbie at his age.
| Kobbie Mainoo 2025-26 | |
| Minutes | 78 |
| Progressive passes | 4 |
| Progressive carries | 3 |
| Key passes | 3 |
| Passes into final third | 3 |
“We wanted to bring him [through] and in the second game of the [pre-]season [tour] he got an injury. It then took him so long to get back to fitness.
“I think we have to keep it calm because here in England we do so much in pushing young players high and then hammer them when they have one or two bad performances.”
Paul Walker feels like Man United need to strengthen in midfield
Pundits have been pointing to United’s lack of athleticism and robustness in midfield all season, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro underwhelming in the middle of the park.
Former Man United and England defender Paul Walker spoke to talkSPORT, saying: “Kobbie Mainoo should be playing now. How do you start Ugarte over him?
“I look at the Man City game and when he came on he made a difference, the way he moves with the ball he causes problems because City cope with someone who ran with the ball.
“They desperately need midfield players they need that edge,” Walker finished by saying.
Whether they look internally or in the transfer market, Amorim will have to look at his midfield if United are to enjoy sustainable success under the 40-year-old.