Ruben Amorim has been cautioned about his tactics with Kobbie Mainoo, with concerns that the young midfielder is feeling ‘confused’ by the changes to his role at Manchester United.
Mainoo made a breakthrough into the United first team last season, impressing as one of their standout central midfielders.
However, under Amorim’s management, the 19-year-old has found himself playing further up the pitch, recently being deployed as a centre-forward in United’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
While Rasmus Højlund replaced Kobbie Mainoo in the No.9 position during their FA Cup win over Leicester, Mainoo was still positioned in a more advanced No.10 role.
It was yet another disappointing performance for Mainoo, who failed to record a shot or create a chance, managing only four touches inside the Foxes’ penalty area.
This underwhelming display has raised concerns from former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino, who believes Amorim may be overburdening the young midfielder.
Cascarino argues that the constant tactical shifts could be causing confusion and affecting Mainoo’s development.
“When he [Mainoo] first came into the Man United team, I thought he really did it at a breeze,” he told talkSPORT.
“It was quite comfortable for him, he felt confident on the ball, he knew what he was wanting to try and achieve.
“Gets him in the England squad, does really well in the Euros, plays well, doesn’t look out of place, really high standard.
“I’m watching Kobbie Mainoo last night, and it’s not on him, I’m putting this on the manager and the coaching team around him.
“I think he looks a confused footballer now. Because Kobbie is going backward too often.
“I think he feels he’s afraid to lose the ball, and that’s what can happen when you get into a really technical setup.
“Which is what Amorim is trying to achieve.
“I’m watching Kobbie Mainoo, and I think he doesn’t really know what he’s meant to do now. I feel sorry for him because he’s 19, and he’s learning on the job.
“When he first broke in, everything about his game was spot on.
“He’s gone from a central midfielder, to an attacking midfielder to a centre forward. He’s the future of Manchester United. He’s in a position that isn’t natural for him.”
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