Talent is not enough — Amorim fires warning to Mainoo amidst future doubts

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped for greatness, but manager Ruben Amorim has stressed that raw talent alone will not guarantee his success.

With a potential start looming against Manchester City, Amorim has called on the 19-year-old to sharpen key aspects of his game.

Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Amorim made it clear that Mainoo’s natural ability is not in question but insisted that refinement is essential.

“I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for Mainoo it is not enough,” Amorim said. The United boss praised him as a “top top player” but urged improvements in his positional awareness, pace, and ability to control the tempo of games.

Amorim wants Mainoo to learn how to vary his speed of play, slowing things down when needed, then injecting urgency when the game demands it.

While the praise underlined the faith United’s coach has in him, the criticism showed the demanding standards Mainoo must meet if he is to cement his role in midfield.

Mainoo’s situation has been complicated by reports that he was blocked from leaving on loan during the summer transfer window, forcing him to remain and fight for his place.

Despite Amorim’s promise, Mainoo is still waiting to make his first Premier League start of the season.

Sunday’s clash with Manchester City could provide the stage for him to show Amorim, and the wider football world, that he is ready to step up.

For United, the derby will be about more than bragging rights; for Mainoo, it could be the turning point that defines whether he becomes a key player or another prospect weighed down by expectations