Man United manager Ruben Amorim reveals chat with Kobbie Mainoo after blocking loan move

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that he held talks with out-of-favour midfielder Kobbie Mainoo this week after rejecting his request for a loan deal away from the club. The 20-year-old Mainoo was a regular under former coach Erik ten Hag, but has lost his starting post this season.

He has only featured in one out of three English Premier League games so far this season for Man United, coming off the bench against Burnley. Mainoo pushed for a loan deal towards the end of the transfer window, but his wish was not granted by manager Amorim, who wants the young midfielder to stay back and fight for his place. But Amorim has also said that Mainoo is competing for a place with captain Bruno Fernandes, which raises questions about whether he will ever get consistent runs this season.

Amorim reveals holding talks with Mainoo 

Mainoo has also lost his place in the England national team, but is set to play in the Manchester Derby on Sunday, as Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount are not fit for the match against Manchester City.

While talking about Mainoo’s situation at the club, Amorim said he is trying to help the midfielder by being harsh on him, as he has a lot of room to improve.

“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more,” Amorim said. “I didn’t have a conversation with him before the window closed, but I did this week. Because I don’t want Kobbie Mainoo thinking I was having any conversation with him just to hold onto him.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done. I think he can do so much better, he can improve in a lot.

“I think for some guys it is enough, but for him it is not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”

Amorim also explained why Mainoo is not a first-team player for him currently as he was under ten Hag and what will it take for him to nail down a regular place in the playing XI.

“The way I play is completely different from the last manager,” added Amorim. “Kobbie was the only guy who calmed down the game. Now we have other players who can calm down the game.

“We play a different game, and sometimes I expect more from Kobbie Mainoo – and I know that he can give that.

“I think he needs to have the technical ability that he has, but he needs more pace. He needs to understand the position better. He needs to play in different speeds. Sometimes it’s lower. Sometimes it’s faster, and I think he can improve on that.

“All these things matter when you choose the team. Kobbie Mainoo is a very, very good player, but so is Bruno.

“Then he has to beat Casemiro, he has to beat Manu (Ugarte). They are good players also. So I need to choose.”

Amorim rejects Guardiola comaprisons

Meanwhile, City are struggling for form, having lost their last two matches, but Amorim feels Pep Guardiola is still in a much better place than him at Old Trafford.

“No, you cannot compare,’ Amorim said. “The guy is winning all the time. He can relax in not winning anymore.

“I have to prove myself every day here and I feel that. To compare me with the situation of Guardiola? It’s just a joke.”