Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was left on the bench in the derby. But he did manage to impress when he came on.
The appointment of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United has ended up complicating Kobbie Mainoo’s progress at the club.
Mainoo has struggled to hold down a starting place under Amorim, benched for the Europa League Final, and yet to start a single Premier League game
The promising young midfielder was left out of the XI once again to face City in the derby, with the Red Devils falling to a 3-0 away defeat.
Kobbie Mainoo appeals, wearing Manchester United home shirt
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Kobbie Mainoo praised
Kobbie Mainoo came off the substitute’s bench in the 62nd minute, with Manchester United 2-0 down. A defensive lapse from the team led to a third goal being conceded six minutes later.
Despite the loss and the tough task Mainoo was faced with, he emerged from the game with some credit, with fans praising his contribution.
Over the last 20 minutes particularly, United attacked well and played more cohesively, and Kobbie Mainoo was a key part of that.
Mainoo completed 18 of 18 passes he attempted, while winning three of three duels he contested. He also created two goalscoring chances.
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Speaking to MUTV, former United defender John O’Shea said he was impressed with the 20-year-old’s performance.
He said: “Kobbie had a very good impact. He’s staking a claim to get into the team.”
Fellow analyst Danny Webber agreed, commenting: “Kobbie made an improvement when he came on. He got on the ball, he kept it moving. There are the odd little positives in there.”
Amorim needs to trust Mainoo
Ruben Amorim spoke before the derby to say that he is trying his utmost to help Kobbie Mainoo improve, but it doesn’t feel like it.
To date Mainoo has played a total of just 73 minutes this season in the Premier League, and that has to change.
The only way Mainoo can really improve is by playing, and most of all he needs to start games.
United have a huge fixture next weekend at home to Chelsea, and after Mainoo’s impressive substitute display against City, there is a big case to bring him into the starting XI.