Ruben Amorim has impressed at Manchester United so far this season but there remains one black mark against his name.
The 2025/26 season got off to a losing start for Manchester United, but the result has almost been overlooked thanks to a top tier performance.
United deserved to win against Arsenal, however, despite having the best of game, ultimately United were undone by a refereeing mistake which allowed the Gunners’ goal to stand.
New signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have been instant sensations for United, bringing Ruben Amorim’s vision to life.
However, there remains one black mark against Amorim at United and it comes in the way he is developing and using Kobbie Mainoo.
But it doesn’t have to be this way, it could actually be the complete opposite.
Kobbie Mainoo about to play pass for Manchester United.
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim could turn Kobbie Mainoo into his biggest asset at Manchester United
The dialogue around Manchester United this week is very positive after a performance against Arsenal which would usually have resulted in three points.
However, Amorim has been criticised after he left Mainoo on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, which went against the positives he showed during pre-season.
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Wayne Rooney has since admitted concern over Mainoo and his role at United after being an unused substitute, which reminded many of the way he was used last season.
In addition, Rio Ferdinand has demanded that Mainoo be utilised by Amorim, explaining that the 20-year-old is capable of providing the control needed in midfield.
This is exactly where we want to see Mainoo make his own within Amorim’s system.
Mainoo showcased an improved passing range for United during pre-season, which he also looked in much better shape physically.
The Carrington graduate is so talented that it is a travesty to see him without a place, but Amorim has been urged to build around Mainoo and he still might.
As a number eight, Mainoo could be the Bruno Fernandes back-up this season, but he also has the ability and qualities to replace Casemiro in the starting line-up, especially in games which United are expected to win.
With no midfielder looking likely this summer and Casemiro unlikely to be able to play at this level all year, along with Manuel Ugarte being disappointing, Mainoo next to Fernandes may end up Amorim’s best bet.
Kobbie Mainoo already showed he can play in defensive midfield for Manchester United
While the past 12 months may suggest otherwise, Mainoo is more than capable of playing as a number six under Amorim and he might have already proven it.
Mainoo’s Premier League debut for United came against Everton, and it was during this game that he announced himself to the world with comparisons to Clarence Seedorf.
In this game, Mainoo won five of eight duels, made three recoveries and six defensive contributions and all of his tackles, which demonstrates that this role is certainly in his bag.
This is a massive problem position for Amorim’s United with Casemiro’s legs not able to do the work carrying the ball or covering ground, but a fit and firing Mainoo can.
Against teams like Fulham and Burnley, Mainoo should be used in this role, with United likely to dominate possession, meaning he will be called upon less defensively anyway.