Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that Kobbie Mainoo “has a lot of talent”, with the Englishman in line to make his first appearance for the Red Devils in more than two months against Lyon on Thursday night.
Mainoo is in the Man United squad that has travelled to France for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.
The midfielder has not turned out for the 20-time English champions since early February due to a muscular problem, but he is expected to be involved off the bench in Europe on Thursday night.
There has been a host of speculation surrounding the 19-year-old’s future, as there are concerns when it comes to his suitability for an Amorim side.
Mainoo has only managed one goal and one assist in 25 appearances for Man United this season, and he has been used in a variety of roles, including as a false nine against Crystal Palace on his last outing on February 2.
© Imago
Mainoo is back in the Man United squad against Lyon
Any sale of Mainoo would count as pure profit under the Premier League’s rules surrounding profit and sustainability, and it was recently claimed that the midfielder was ready to turn down the chance to sign a new deal at Old Trafford in order to try his luck abroad.
However, Amorim has insisted that Mainoo fits into his plans moving forward at Old Trafford.
“In this moment, we have to be careful with Kobbie. He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him,” Mainoo told reporters.
“I think in England sometimes they played with three defenders, so he can play. We need to help him. Casemiro is playing better because we are understanding better the way Casemiro can play. I think we can do that with Kobbie. He is good on the ball and near the opponent’s box.
“When I see Kobbie, I see a lot of talent. But in the way I see it, I could be wrong. I see some things that Kobbie has to improve: his pace in the game. He needs to improve in the build-up.
“Near the box, he has a lot of talent and that is why I think he did a really good game in the Europa League in that position. But I don’t see a full player at the moment; he is 19. If I say I have seen the final player, I don’t think I am helping Kobbie.”
© Imago
Should Man United consider selling Mainoo?
There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a hugely disappointing campaign for Mainoo, with fitness issues stopping him from getting in a rhythm, but there are question marks surrounding his suitability for Amorim’s system.
Mainoo has struggled to impress as a central midfielder, but he did score and provide an assist against FCSB in the Europa League back in January while operating as a number 10.
Unless a substantial offer arrives for him this summer, which would be in the region of £70m, then Man United should be looking to keep hold of a player of the teenager’s undoubted talent.
No Data Analysis info
