Pre-season represents a fresh start for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim ahead of a huge season for several players.
Under no circumstances was the 2024-25 campaign good enough from Manchester United, and the players are as much to blame as anything else.
With a squad which is far from good enough, there has been a clamour amongst fans for change and Ruben Amorim is of similar thinking. Before the season ended, it was claimed Amorim only viewed four players as untouchable this summer, which shows the level of work Ineos needed.
This desire to strengthen sees United targeting another four players after Bryan Mbeumo inevitably arrives this summer. Among these positions is a midfielder, despite Amorim backing Manuel Ugarte to shine next season.
The midfield however could become an afterthought for United over the next month if pre-season sees Kobbie Mainoo back to his brilliant self which earned some steep praise.
Kobbie Mainoo with fist in the air for Manchester United.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Scholes had high praise for Kobbie Mainoo last year
Kobbie Mainoo’s rise at Manchester United was nothing short of meteoric, and a dream debut campaign for his boyhood club ended in silverware in a cup final triumph over Manchester City.
Aged just 19 at the time, Mainoo played and scored in the FA Cup final, establishing himself as an instant hero and even earning huge praise from Paul Scholes.
After the final, Scholes claimed Mainoo was better than he was at 19 with an Instagram post explaining his verdict.
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“Read a few comparisons between me and this kid last week… don’t waste your time, he is 10 times the player I was at 19… just love the way he receives the ball, the calmness, the awareness of what’s around him and of course big goals in big games… this boy is special… and he’s a _______ red… laters.”
Since then, Mainoo starred for England in Euro 2024, but his second season for United was disappointing.
Ruben Amorim must restore Kobbie Mainoo to greatness
After a long season and summer, the 2024-25 season came too soon for Mainoo who wasn’t protected by Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman effectively running him into the ground.
This led to injuries during the campaign as he struggled to pick up the form he showed in 2023-24 for United. However, the new season is a fresh start and ultimately Amorim needs to help restore him to the player fans fell in love with.
Mainoo has worked hard this summer and looks lean, which should transform his mobility after putting on muscle last season.
It will be a massive season for Mainoo, but also for Amorim, who needs the academy graduate to be a success. Mainoo could be pivotal to the long term future of Amorim at the club, and so he will need to find a role for the midfielder.
Where Kobbie Mainoo plays for Manchester United in 2025-26
Last season Mainoo was used in various roles by Amorim including striker, which suggested that the Portuguese head coach wasn’t convinced on him.
However, having regained his agility and mobility, playing in midfield with a partner like Manuel Ugarte is where he belongs.
Mainoo excels in tight spaces, so picking the ball up deep to evade presses and then progressing play to the creative attackers would be his best role.
In addition, in possession we would expect Mainoo to be in and around the box, with an excellent finish to his game he can be a threat in the penalty area and from range.
Despite concerns around Mainoo, he is just 20 and has the world at his feet. He should be back to his best this coming campaign.