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Kobbie Mainoo: Bruno Fernandesâ bold claim about United star
TL;DR
Bruno Fernandes claims Manchester United cannot afford to lose Kobbie Mainoo, who has struggled for playing time this season. Mainoo's future is uncertain as he has only made one start under coach Ruben Amorim.
Key points
- Bruno Fernandes claims Manchester United cannot lose Kobbie Mainoo
- Mainoo has only one start this season under Ruben Amorim
- He has appeared from the bench in all Premier League matches
- Ruben Amorim's tactics have limited Mainoo's playing time
- Mainoo's future is uncertain as the winter transfer window approaches
Mentioned in this story
Bruno FernandesKobbie MainooCasemiroManchester United
EFL Cup
Kobbie Mainoo: Bruno Fernandesâ bold claim about United star
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes that the club cannot afford to lose Kobbie Mainoo. The Englishmanâs future was subject to speculation at the beginning of the season, under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese head coach opted for a midfield pivot of Fernandes and Casemiro in order to accommodate his new-look attack, which relegated Mainoo to the bench. The 21 year old registered just one start under Amorim this season, in the disastrous EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, and all his appearances in the Premier League were from the bench.
The Portuguese head coach even suggested that Mainoo was competing with Fernandes for a place in the starting XI, further adding to the youngsterâs frustration. As the winter transfer window drew nearer, the Englishman appeared destined to leave Old Trafford in the middle of the campaign in search of regular football.
However, all that changed in January, after United decided to cut short Amorimâs disastrous tenure and replaced him with Michael Carrick, who took charge as caretaker manager until the end of the season. One of the English managerâs first decisions was to reinstate Mainoo into the starting XI.
Mainooâs rise under Carrick
Where Mainoo had no place in Amorimâs controversial 3-4-3 system, he became the cornerstone of the 4-3-2-1 formation that Carrick implemented upon his arrival. United started their post-Amorim era with a blockbuster 2-0 win over Manchester City, with Mainoo securing his first Premier League start of the season and running riot in midfield.
The English midfielder retained his place alongside Casemiro for the following game, when the Red Devils secured a 3-2 win against at the Emirates. Mainoo has been Carrickâs metronome in midfield ever since, starting every game barring the 2-1 defeat to , which he missed due to injury.
Q&A
Why does Bruno Fernandes believe Manchester United needs Kobbie Mainoo?
Bruno Fernandes believes that losing Kobbie Mainoo would be detrimental to Manchester United, indicating the player's potential value to the team.
What has been Kobbie Mainoo's playing time this season?
Kobbie Mainoo has made only one start this season and has appeared from the bench in all his Premier League matches.
Who is the head coach of Manchester United that has limited Mainoo's playtime?
Ruben Amorim is the head coach of Manchester United who has opted for a midfield pivot that has limited Kobbie Mainoo's playing time.
Is Kobbie Mainoo likely to leave Manchester United during the winter transfer window?
As the winter transfer window approaches, there are indications that Kobbie Mainoo may seek a transfer for more regular playing opportunities.
