‘I think Mainoo is lost’ — Manchester United legend unsure about youngster’s development

Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo celebrates one of his goals. (Photo Credit: Imago)

‘I think Mainoo is lost’ — Manchester United legend unsure about youngster’s development

Ayoola Kelechi 22:32 - 11.02.2025

Kobbie Mainoo has gotten a lot of fans excited, but not everyone is a fan

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has expressed doubts over Kobbie Mainoo’s development under Ruben Amorim, suggesting that the club is unsure of the youngster’s best position.

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Mainoo, who emerged as one of United’s few bright sparks last season, has struggled for consistency this term amid positional changes and a new tactical setup.

Scholes questions Mainoo’s role in Amorim’s system

Mainoo was a revelation for United last season, earning a Golden Boy nomination and a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

Paul Scholes scored 155 goals for Manchester United. (Photo Credit: TalkSport/X)

However, this season has been more turbulent, with the 19-year-old struggling to find his rhythm due to injuries and positional experimentation under Amorim.

Scholes believes Mainoo is being played out of position, telling The Overlap Fan Debate: "'I think Mainoo is lost.

Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo was Manchester United's best player in Thursday's win in Bucharest (Credit: Imago)

“I don't think he knows where to play on a football pitch because he's been played in one of the number 10 positions, he has been played in the two in the midfield, which I can see probably doesn't suit him because I don't think [he is] the greatest athlete.

'He's a great footballer. I think the No 10 does suit, (but) the false nine, never in a million years.'

Manchester United’s midfield conundrum

While naturally a deep-lying midfielder, Mainoo has recently been deployed in more advanced roles, including as a striker against Crystal Palace.

Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim Jamie Carragher has criticised Ruben Amorim for his remarks after Manchester United's loss to Brighton (Credit: Imago)

Amorim has praised Mainoo’s pressing ability and one-on-one skills, but his positional flexibility appears to be causing more confusion than help.

Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation complicates Mainoo’s role further. The system relies on two attacking midfielders behind a lone striker, while the two central midfielders provide defensive cover and ball progression.

Kobe Mainoo in action || Imago

With Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen among United’s midfield options, finding the right balance remains a challenge..

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