Kobbie Mainoo is set to return into the Manchester United fold but coachm Ruben Amorim is demanding more from him.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes the sensational midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has room for improvement.
The England international is preparing to return to action after a long injury layoff that has sidelined the talented midfielder.
Mainoo, who was unearthed from Manchester United's academy, has been included in United's squad for the Europa League quarter-final clash with Lyon in France on Thursday night following a nine-week absence, although Amorim says he will be careful with the teenager.
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Amorim, who took over the reigns at United in November 2024, wants Mainoo to reignite his career by finding his best position despite being an established England international.
"We need to help him. Casemiro is playing better because we understand better the way Casemiro can play. I think we can do that with Kobbie because he has a lot of qualities. He is really good on the ball but also near the opponent's box. We will try to manage all that and find the right space for a player like Kobbie. I think that is also a little bit of a problem," Amorim told the Daily Mail.
At the same time, Amorim maintained that Mainoo must work extra harder both during the build up play and as far as the pace of the game is concerned.
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The Portuguese tactian reckons that Mainoo must unleash his qualities as a scoring midfielder too to become an all-rounded player.
"When I see Kobbie Mainoo, I see a lot of talent but in the way I see it – I could be wrong, that is for sure – I see some things that Kobbie Mainoo has to improve.
"The pace during the game, he has qualities we can use, in build-up he needs to improve. Near the box he has a lot of talent. That's why he played a very good game in the Europa League in that position."
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Amorim insists that Mainoo will be eased into action by managing his minutes to avoid injury setbacks.
"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 happy to have more options and an option like Kobbie Mainoo with the quality that he has."
United have managed 38 points from 31 matches and sit 13th on the log in the 20-team league.