United Discussion | Is Mainoo set for an Amorim revival?

There's been more discussion about the future of our young midfielder.

Kobbie Mainoo may be finding opportunities limited, but his situation at Manchester United is not as bleak as some have suggested.

Author | Peter Shaw

The 20-year-old has been out of the starting line-up since Ruben Amorim arrived last November. Earlier in the season, the Portuguese coach made it clear that Mainoo would have to compete for a starting role with Bruno Fernandes.

It was always unlikely that the England international would win that battle. He has made just three Premier League appearances this season, all as a substitute.

Is Mainoo winning over Amorim and his coaching staff?

The youngster requested a loan move last August after recognising that his chances of securing a starting place had diminished following the arrival of three new forwards, which pushed Bruno Fernandes into a deeper role.

READ MORE | United Discussion | Is it time for another change?

As a result, some British media outlets expect Mainoo to consider leaving in January, particularly if Amorim remains in charge. His main suitors during the summer included Napoli and Real Madrid.

Could Mainoo have a new role? Could he have a new club?

Recent reports suggest that the technical staff have been working on redeploying Mainoo as a number 6. This change could give him more opportunities on the pitch, as he would be competing with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, rather than Bruno Fernandes.

However, if this strategy does not succeed and the young midfielder is unable to reclaim a place in the starting line-up, a move in January could become a realistic option.

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What do other fans think?

Charlie H, a season ticket holder in the K Stand, told us: “The system is useless, the gaffer is stubbornly rigid. Kobbie should find valuable game time elsewhere in January if his talents are not appreciated. He is too good a player to sit on the bench.”

Brian, another United supporter, added: “Mainoo is a central or box-to-box midfielder, and trying to convert him into a number 6 defensive midfielder will not get the best from him. I will say again that both Mainoo and Fernandes would perform better in a three-man midfield, with Casemiro as a defensive presence, Mainoo as a box-to-box midfielder, and Fernandes in an attacking role. If we played with three in midfield, we could climb the table faster than you might imagine. We have the players for a 4-3-3, but Amorim is too stubborn to give in, and the decision makers are foolish enough to go along with it.”