Kobbie Mainoo hasn't started a single Premier League game for Manchester United this season, with Ruben Amorim preferring other midfielders
Kobbie Mainoo during a Manchester United game
Kobbie Mainoo was linked with a move away from Manchester United
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Gary Pallister has suggested that Kobbie Mainoo is still recovering from 'second season syndrome' - but believes the 'gem' of a midfielder will succeed at Manchester United.
Mainoo, 20, has only started one game in all competitions this season, failing to help the Reds avoid a humiliating loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. In their four Premier League games, the England international has only been given a combined 73 minutes by United boss Ruben Amorim, who recently told Mainoo that his talent alone is 'not enough'.
"I believe a lot in Kobbie but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already [the finished article]," Amorim said ahead of Sunday's 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby. I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.
"I think for some guys it is enough [their talent], but for him it is not enough. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that's it. He will have opportunities like the other guys."
Ex-Reds centre-back Pallister also believes that Mainoo has the talent to succeed, having lost momentum during Amorim's first campaign at Old Trafford. The United academy graduate had burst onto the scene under Erik ten Hag the previous season, deservedly playing for England at Euro 2024, but last term struggled to be as impactful and was often benched by Amorim.
"He came off the back of an unbelievable season, didn't he?" Pallister told The Manchester Evening News via online betting site BetWright. "Playing in the Euros and playing for United, and really getting everybody talking about this young kid and how he was looking.
"I think you often hear about the second season syndrome, don't you? When players have had a great start to their career, especially young players. And in the following year, people are more aware of his talent and are ready for him.
"And you kind of... I don't know, it changes maybe your outlook on the game. You go on out there, instead of being this player that nobody knows, all of a sudden he's played for England, started in the Euros, he started for Manchester United.
"It's a different mentality for a player, and maybe sometimes they struggle to deal with it. So, he had injuries last year, and at times he didn't get himself really sharp, I would say. So, he wasn't playing a lot of games."
Like Amorim, Pallister didn't want to see Mainoo leave on transfer deadline day. The midfielder had been pushing for a loan move in the final days of the summer window but ultimately stayed put.
"I think he is a talent," Pallister continued. "I'm glad they didn't let him go out on loan, because I think he's still got a big future in Manchester United as a player that the fans love to see. And when he's on top form, then he's a gem."
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