February 9th 2025.
Ruben Amorim has come under scrutiny for his handling of one particular player at Manchester United. It seems that his tinkering with Kobbie Mainoo's position has hindered the young midfielder's growth and development. While Amorim has remained committed to his 3-4-2-1 formation since joining the team, he has constantly changed up the players within the system.
Mainoo, at just 19 years old, has been a victim of this experimentation. He has been asked to play in various positions, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and even up front in recent weeks. While he did manage to score and assist in a more advanced role during a Europa League match in January, his attempt at leading the line against Crystal Palace was a clear failure. And after a lukewarm performance against Leicester in the FA Cup, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino has issued a warning to Amorim about the potential harm he is causing Mainoo by not allowing him to settle into his natural position.
Cascarino expressed his concerns on a talk show, saying, "When he [Mainoo] first joined Man United, it seemed like a walk in the park for him. He was comfortable on the ball and knew exactly what he wanted to achieve." But now, Cascarino observes, Mainoo looks like a confused player on the field. He seems to be playing it safe, constantly passing backwards instead of taking risks, which is understandable given the technical setup that Amorim is trying to implement.
Cascarino went on to say, "I feel sorry for Mainoo because he's only 19 and he's still learning. When he first broke into the team, he was doing everything right. But now, he's been shifted from central midfielder to attacking midfielder to centre forward. He needs to establish himself as a natural central midfielder, which I believe he is. He has the potential to be better than Ugarte and is the future of Manchester United. But right now, he's being played out of position."
In the recent match against Leicester, Mainoo dropped deeper into midfield while Rasmus Hojlund returned to lead the attacking line. However, it was another frustrating night for the Dane. Despite the challenges, United managed to secure their spot in the FA Cup fifth round and will now turn their attention to their upcoming Premier League match against Tottenham.
It's clear that Amorim has a talented player in Mainoo, but it's crucial for the coach to find a way to utilize him effectively. As Cascarino pointed out, Mainoo is still young and learning, and it's important for his development that he is allowed to play consistently in his natural position. Only then will we see the full potential of this promising midfielder.
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