How Ruben Amorim can unlock Kobbie Mainoo’s full potential after Paul Scholes’ comment – opinion | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo is one of Manchester United’s best youngsters. His 2024 Golden Boy Award nomination is a testament to his profound talent.

However, he has struggled for form this season as he has had to play various positions.

He initially played alongside Manuel Ugarte in central midfield in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation and has recently been played as the left-sided number 10 and a false nine.

The lack of a fixed position cements former United star Paul Scholes’ view that he is ‘lost’ and does not ‘know where to play’.

Scholes’ comments are an indictment on Amorim, as one of the best traits of a manager is getting the best out of your most talented players.

Apart from Amad Diallo, no United player has significantly improved since Amorim’s arrival.

One reason for that is the Portuguese’ refusal to play some players in their best positions, no thanks to his 3-4-2-1 formation.

Mainoo’s best position in the current set-up is the number 10 role, and he demonstrated this in the Europa League clash with FCSB last month.

The England international scored one and assisted another in that clash, helping United automatically progress to the last-16.

Amorim admitted after the game that Mainoo played the number 10 position ‘very well’, so it was surprising to see him play as a false nine in the next fixture against Crystal Palace.

Mainoo does not have the legs to play in a two-man midfield or the intelligence to play as a false nine.

Playing in the number 10 role gives him more freedom to pick up good attacking positions to score goals and create goalscoring opportunities.

He ranks joint-third for big chances created and joint-seventh for key passes per game in United’s squad in the league this season.

His numbers would have been higher if he had played in an offensive position.

Amorim needs to play Mainoo in the number 10 role to unlock his full potential and help him become one of the world’s best midfielders.

Stats from transfermarkt.com

Article written by Henry Thornton .