Arjun Menon
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has admitted that Kobbie Mainoo is eager to play at the upcoming World Cup — but stressed that he remains a crucial part of his plans at Old Trafford.
United travel to Anfield this Sunday for a high-stakes Premier League clash against rivals Liverpool, and many fans fear the midfield could once again prove to be the weak link.
With Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte struggling for consistency this season, there have been growing calls for Mainoo to be handed more minutes in the league.
Amorim Addresses Mainoo’s Frustration
The 20-year-old has featured for just 117 minutes in the Premier League so far, sparking speculation about a possible January exit. Amorim, however, insists that Mainoo remains central to his project, while acknowledging the midfielder’s desire for regular football ahead of the international calendar.
“I also know that in our club there’s always a lot of noise. Players want to play, agents talk, and the World Cup adds pressure,” Amorim told reporters. “I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think he’s already the finished article. He can still improve — and he will.”
Reports have linked Mainoo with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Napoli — all clubs capable of offering more consistent first-team opportunities. Given his ambition to represent England on the biggest stage, the player’s frustration is understandable.
Why Mainoo Has Been Overlooked in the League
Under Amorim, United have adopted a more direct and vertical style of play, often bypassing midfield to launch long passes toward the forwards. While this strategy quickens transitions, it has exposed United to turnovers and counter-attacks — areas where Mainoo’s calmness under pressure could make a difference.
Despite his technical quality, Amorim appears to favour more athletic profiles in midfield. Mainoo’s measured, possession-based style doesn’t perfectly align with United’s current approach. However, given that Casemiro and Fernandes are both in their thirties and often struggle to cover ground, leaving Mainoo out of the starting XI continues to puzzle fans and pundits alike.
Could Amorim’s Midfield Choices Cost Him His Job?
United sit 11th in the Premier League with just 10 points, and a defeat against Liverpool would leave them five points adrift of fourth-placed Bournemouth. Despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s public support for long-term managerial stability, questions over Amorim’s tactics and selection are growing louder.
Failure to qualify for European football could prove decisive. If the Portuguese manager continues to overlook emerging talents like Mainoo while persisting with an underperforming core, he risks not just fan backlash — but potentially his job.
With Liverpool looming and the season at a crossroads, Amorim’s next team sheet may well define both United’s campaign and Mainoo’s future at the club.