October 13th 2025.
Ruben Amorim, the manager of Manchester United, has been facing criticism from former player Steve Nicol regarding the lack of playing time for midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. According to Nicol, Mainoo's weaknesses on the defensive end have been the main reason for his limited appearances under Amorim's leadership this season. Despite showing great potential under previous coach Erik ten Hag and even starting for England in the Euro 2024 final, Mainoo has been unable to secure a spot in Amorim's preferred starting lineup, which often includes Bruno Fernandes alongside either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte in a two-man midfield.
Disappointed with the lack of opportunities, Mainoo had expressed his desire for a loan move in the summer window to increase his chances of making it to England's World Cup squad. However, his request was denied by the Red Devils, leaving him with only sporadic substitute appearances unless he can impress Amorim and earn a spot in the starting lineup. Former Liverpool defender Nicol believes this may be difficult for Mainoo, stating that he "doesn't do enough" defensively to support his team.
Nicol continued to express his concerns, stating that Mainoo's lack of contribution on the defensive end is a problem for a top club like Manchester United. He believes that players must be able to contribute on both sides of the ball in order to be successful, and Mainoo's struggles in this aspect have been a major setback for him. When asked if Amorim could work with Mainoo to improve his defensive abilities, Nicol responded that it may be difficult as the player's lack of work rate has been evident in his recent performances.
This issue has sparked discussions among fans and experts, with some suggesting that it may not be solely Mainoo's fault, but rather a problem with the team as a whole. Players like Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund have also faced criticism for underperforming, leading to speculations that the issue lies within the club's management and not just the players. However, Amorim remains determined to help Mainoo improve and earn more playing time, stating that he believes in the player's potential but acknowledges that there is room for improvement in his game.
In a recent statement, Amorim emphasized that he wants to see Mainoo succeed and is focused on helping him reach his full potential. He also mentioned that if the player proves himself during training and is the best fit for the team, he will be given opportunities to play. Amorim believes that Mainoo can do better and is determined to help him reach his goals. The manager also addressed the criticism surrounding Mainoo and assured that he is doing his best to support the player and help him improve.
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