Ruben Amorim confirms Manchester United are yet to reach a new contract agreement with Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United’s new season once again started with disappointment. The 1-0 defeat against Arsenal deepened the pain that had not yet healed from last year’s 15th position in the league and the Europa League final loss. Ruben Amorim took charge in November last year, but the change has not yet been visible in the results on the field. United have added new signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, yet the start was sluggish.
The Red Devils played well in the early moments against Arsenal, but Altay Bayindir’s mistake led to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal, and the team lost all its energy. In that match, Kobbie Mainoo remained on the bench, and Amorim relied on Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the role of two midfielders in his 3-4-2-1 formation. The English midfielder’s name was on the team sheet, but he was not needed on the field. This picture is clear proof of United’s current condition.
The hidden message in Amorim’s words
Before the upcoming Fulham match, Amorim clearly said in the press conference that the talks regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s contract have not progressed. Amorim put the responsibility on Director of Football Jason Wilcox and reiterated that it is the club’s matter, not his. Mainoo had rejected the first offer in January, and Chelsea’s interest were also discussed at that time. Mainoo has started only 15 times in Amorim’s tenure so far, and injuries have often hindered him.
Ruben Amorim confirms Manchester United are yet to reach a new contract agreement with Kobbie Mainoo.
Amorim admitted that only two midfielders play in his 3-4-2-1 system, and this system does not match Mainoo’s natural style. He said that young players need time and patience because opportunities will come and go during the season. The 20-year-old was tried sometimes in the role of playmaker and sometimes as a defensive midfielder, but did not get stability.
Amorim admitted that Mainoo works hard, is proving himself in training and remains an option for the team. Still, the 20-year-old and the system are not gelling. His technical skills, ball control and passing range are evident, but in a 3-4-2-1, his space is limited by established presences like Casemiro and Fernandes. Amorim has assured Mainoo that he will get opportunities, but the question is when and how many. (Via Manchester Evening News). We had earlier reported that the club are interested in retaining the central midfielder.
“That part is with Jason, so he is our player. He has a contract. I didn’t hear any news about that.”
“We play with two midfielders, and it is a different way of playing.”
“They have to understand, the young players, there are phases in the season.”
“Nowadays it’s normal, with a lot of games, things are going to change.”
“But he is there, he is fighting, he is training, he is one more option for us to win games.”
Mainoo’s situation seems very confusing to us. On one hand, he has a contract with United until 2027, and the club could extend it to 2028, but teams like Chelsea are keeping an eye on him. If United don’t make a new contract a priority, it could prove to be a serious mistake.
Amorim’s system is clearly stifling Mainoo’s strengths. He needs time and space on the ball, but in a 3-4-2-1, he is expected to have more energy and provide defensive cover. Amorim could rotate him with Casemiro or give him a creative role deeper behind Fernandes. Our biggest concern is that the talks have not progressed, and the player is starting to feel insecure. United need to show Maino is a vital part of their project, or they will lose another talent. We feel that the Red Devils should not be losing a talent like the 20-year-old.
As we are looking for a young defensive midfielder due to the age of Casemiro and his limited impact, why not give Mainoo the time in the role beside Bruno Fernandes, with Cunha and Mbeumo playing as the attacking midfielders? We have to trust him and give him consistency in his role, then only the 20-year-old will get the confidence on the pitch. If he gets the confidence on the pitch, it will be good for United, and the contract situation will also be solved easily.