Manchester United could be set to make Paul Pogba-like mistake due to Amorim stubbornness

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Manchester United have had an inconsistent start to the new Premier League season, with manager Ruben Amorim under pressure at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have struggled, with the midfield dynamic at United not right and the opposition invariably getting the best of them in the centre of the park.

United signed Matheus Cunha over the summer to bolster their attacking options, but Amorim’s options in the heart of his midfield leave much to be desired.

However, the Manchester club have a player capable of turning the side’s Premier League fortunes around, but he is being wasted on the fringes of the first team.

Mainoo needs more of an opportunity

Kobbie Mainoo is a prodigious talent who looks set to be a generational player if he can retain form and fitness.

Despite making a real impression in the United side under predecessor Erik Ten Hag and starring for England at Euro 2024, Mainoo has struggled for game time under Amorim.

The 20-year-old has not started a Premier League game in 2025-26, featuring off the bench on five occasions and feeding off scraps.

With United struggling to dominate possession in midfield, Amorim’s decision to freeze out Mainoo is not helping the Red Devils’ side.

Mainoo can unleash Fernandes

Amorim has invariably partnered captain Bruno Fernandes with a holding player, most usually either Casemiro or the underperforming Manuel Ugarte.

However, the Portugal international wants to play in a more advanced role, where he can create chances for his United team-mates and be more of a threat in the final third.

Playing Mainoo in the centre of midfield with one of the holding players makes much more sense.

Doing this would see United fielding their best player, Fernandes, in his ideal position, while Mainoo has the poise on the ball and energy to make the side more competitive.

United lost Paul Pogba in 2012 due to not playing him regularly enough – Amorim would be advised not to repeat the mistake with Mainoo.