Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has refuted Ruben Amorim’s comments about Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo has played only 73 minutes of Premier League football across the opening four games of the season.
The 20-year-old has been reduced to the fourth choice midfielder, the only one of Ruben Amorim’s options at the position who has not had a start.
Amorim spoke ahead of the Manchester derby to say that he wants to help Mainoo improve.
He told BBC Sport: “Kobbie is really good at controlling the game, but if he plays as an eight he has to reach the box and return.
“He has the technical ability but he needs to understand the position better. He needs to play in different speeds – sometimes lower, sometimes faster. He can improve on that.”
Kobbie Mainoo appeals, wearing Manchester United home shirt
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Scholes says Kobbie Mainoo has attributes to succeed
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is a big believer in Kobbie Mainoo, previously claiming the youngster was better than he was at his age.
Speaking to The Good, The Bad & The Football, Scholes says that Mainoo has the most important attribute to succeed.
More United News
Speaking about his derby performance after coming off the bench, Scholes explained: “He was actually quite good when he came on.
“He’s been questioned about legs, but it’s not always about legs. He’s got a brain to play that position.”
Mainoo was one of Manchester United’s best players after he came on against City, and Scholes’ former teammate John O’Shea praised his performance, speaking on MUTV, arguing that he staked a claim to start the next game against Chelsea.
Mainoo should be back as a starter
Paul Scholes believes Kobbie Mainoo has a serious case to start the next game, when Manchester United host Chelsea on Saturday night.
He said: “Monday morning should be knocking on the door saying, ‘I should be playing’.”
Scholes had previously predicted Mainoo would improve under Amorim, but the manager’s different style has actually worked against him.
Amorim has tried Mainoo in the number 10 role, and as both a box-to-box midfield player (number eight) and a sitting role (number six), and has not settled on where he wants to play him.
His reliance on Bruno Fernandes in midfield has left Mainoo as a frequent substitute, and it is still more likely that the youngster is back on the bench in the next game.