Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, appears to be granted additional time to reshape the team and achieve success at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently stated his intention to offer the Portuguese manager up to three seasons to demonstrate his capability in guiding the Red Devils forward. He referenced the slow starts of Sir Alex Ferguson and Mikel Arteta at their respective clubs as a justification for giving Amorim more time.
So far, Amorim has a mixed record, winning 20 and losing 21 of his 50 matches in charge, including a Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last season. Given the expectations at Manchester United, it’s commendable that Ratcliffe is showing patience.
However, one player who might not be thrilled with Amorim’s continued support is midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has found himself on the bench frequently. Amorim has indicated that Mainoo must compete directly with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting position in the team, which has contributed to his lack of appearances this season.
While Mainoo has shown potential, his performance in 78 matches for United, accumulating seven goals and three assists, pales in comparison to Fernandes’ impact. Amorim’s system does not particularly suit Mainoo, as he struggles to fit either as a specialized attacking or defensive midfielder.
Despite his current situation, Mainoo’s rise through the academy reflects positively on United’s youth development, showcasing the club’s ability to cultivate talent capable of playing at the Premier League level. Regardless of whether Amorim remains in charge, Mainoo’s skills will likely see him succeed at Old Trafford in the future.
Another academy player, Sekou Kone, might soon follow in Mainoo’s footsteps. The Mali U17 international joined Manchester United in the summer of 2024 and has garnered attention for his performances at the youth level. Although sidelined with a head injury, he has recently returned to training and is expected to earn senior team opportunities this season.
