[Godfather]

He has no passing in him has he? Bit worrying for a supposed CM

 

[bosnian_red]

He tends to have a bad game when he's played too much in the recent days/weeks. He had a few very good games in a row with the full break between games and some rotation, but looked tired today. His fitness needs serious work, but not really seeing anything that we need to be concerned about aside from that

 

[Baneofthegame]

Still think he should be played in one of the 10 positions.

 

[Cassidy]

Yes but you are using experience to cover a lot, like positioning, reading of the game, and general football intelligence that Collyer showed more of.

and you are pretending Mainoo didnt play against Pool and Arsenal. Or for England at the Euros or hasn’t had games where he was miles better than what Collyer showed.

Collyer (who wasn’t even that good) has also had games where he showed lack of reading of the game and football intelligence. For example Liverpool earlier in the season.

And I hid nothing. I simply said if you have not seen what hes good at by now there is no helping you. Because its quite clear he has alot of intelligence (even Scholes says it)

 

[MiceOnMeth]

He has no passing in him has he? Bit worrying for a supposed CM

No passing and no legs.. hmm

 

[Rozay]

Lost.

 

[Superunknown]

He's a #10 (and should probably be developed as Bruno's successor). This playing him at #8 solely because he can control a ball and turn a man is an indictment on our lack of CM talent.

I've seen this argument a few times and I don't personally understand it. Where is the evidence that he's better as a 10? Because he hasn't got the physicality or overall mobility to fully secure his position in the middle of the park? The drop off from Bruno to Mainoo would be huge. Mainoo has got maybe a quarter (if that) of the engine that Bruno has. He hasn't got his mobility, his tenacity, and I don't think he has his eye for goal or the eye of the killer pass that could potentially be an assist. I don't see any of those traits in Mainoo. Stamina wise, I don't think he could even play a full half as a number 10.

 

[BorisManUtd]

I think he was good against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal. He's also had some poor performances this season, like tonight.

A 19 year old being inconsistent? Who would have thought?

Such a shitty fanbase in this thread. We don't deserve good players

Yeah sensible post. But trouble is when we look as bad in midfield as we did for 60 minutes tonight against worst team in the league.

 

[Cassidy]

Yeah sensible post. But trouble is when we look as bad in midfield as we did for 60 minutes tonight against worst team in the league.

Like we have many times without Mainoo by the way

 

[NZT-One]

Don't think he was that bad to be honest. Pretty sure, that Soton had something worked out to really pull the plug on our team. And it showed in every player on the pitch looking substandard for long time. Our midfield options are diverse but it is quite difficult to pick a functional duo these days.

 

[simonhch]

As usual, a lot of nonsense posted in this thread. He's 19. Nothing to see here. He's a huge talent who will take time to nurture properly. There will be ups and downs along the way. We shouldn't be relying on him as much as we are in midfield. He will be a big player for us moving forwards, but needs time to develop and improve. At his age, this season's starboy, Daillo was getting a handful of bit part appearances for United, a season before disappearing into nothingness at Rangers. And look where he is now. Context is important....again, he is 19. Look at what he has already done for us last season. Scholes didn't even make his debut for United until two months before his 20th birthday, and that was in the league Cup. At Mainoo's age he was still in the academy sides. Meanwhile Mainoo has already been our best player in a season, scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final, had some huge big match moments, and played at the heart of midfield for England all the way through to the Euro final.

People making judgements about him suddenly not being good enough, are just mental. He had no pre-season, and it shows. We've heaped huge expectations and responsibilities on him, and again it shows. This season he's been in a shambles of a club, massive change in set up, being asked to play in a completely different system......yes, it is naturally he would have some struggles. Despite that negative spin, he was good to excellent against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal, but because of how preposterously well he performed last season, people are now having unreasonable expectations, and want the finished article. Amorim seems the perfect manager for him. Has been vocal about how good he can be, but also how much he needs to improve. And that is key, because young players need to be constantly developing. We might not see the best of Mainoo until he is 24-26. Realistically, a club with United's profile and ambitions, should have two starting CMs, Ugarte and one other, with more experience and proven quality, ahead of him, and have him as the third rotational option. That way you can develop him and give him enough game time without putting the engine room of your team on his shoulders.

He's easily good enough to eventually make the position his own, as he's already shown. He shouldn't already be the lynchpin of our midfield. It's a testament to how important he is that when he plays badly, the whole team plays badly. I saw some nonsense wirtten in one post about how he never shows for the ball to his center backs, but if anyone watched him last season, they would know, he was the first player to drop deep and pick it up. Who knows what instructions he has right now? All we do know is that he is a huge talent, playing in a position of enormous responsibility. We aren't talking about a young forward, who can afford to be bold and make mistakes, we are talking about a CM, who if he makes mistakes, it can cost us goals.

 

[Bebe]

I've seen this argument a few times and I don't personally understand it. Where is the evidence that he's better as a 10? Because he hasn't got the physicality or overall mobility to fully secure his position in the middle of the park? The drop off from Bruno to Mainoo would be huge. Mainoo has got maybe a quarter (if that) of the engine that Bruno has. He hasn't got his mobility, his tenacity, and I don't think he has his eye for goal or the eye of the killer pass that could potentially be an assist. I don't see any of those traits in Mainoo. Stamina wise, I don't think he could even play a full half as a number 10.

I think Mainoo's best attributes are his close control, ability to beat a man and dribble in tight spaces, and his interplay/short passing along with his finishing. I think we actually did see an eye for goal last year, and all his best moments last year came in areas you'd expect a #10 to play.

That being said, whether we consider him a #10 or otherwise my main point is that I think he's better much higher up the pitch. We'll have to disagree re: the eye for a killer pass and eye for goal. I definitely think he lacks passing range (another reason I don't like him playing deep), but I think he has the ability to spot and play a slide rule pass into a striker, or the kind of chip we saw from Eriksen on the second goal today.

I'm not saying we should bench Bruno today to play Mainoo in his position. I'm saying that long term, I think Mainoo will play further forward and that he can look particularly deficient in his current position given the athleticism it requires, which Mainoo clearly lacks.

 

[Bobski]

Don't think he was that bad to be honest. Pretty sure, that Soton had something worked out to really pull the plug on our team. And it showed in every player on the pitch looking substandard for long time. Our midfield options are diverse but it is quite difficult to pick a functional duo these days.

I don't think he and Uagrte are an ideal fit for each other. Bit of a lack of passing range and given Ugarte goes for every ball there will be times he gets beat, you need the other midfielder to have the legs to cover the space in that instance.

People are overreacting though, England last Summer was very bad for this season for him, lost his pre season to injury in 23/24, Ten Hag ran him into the ground, international tournament, no pre season 24/25, cooked.

I think he will make a major step forward next season if he gets a solid summers work in.

 

[Cassidy]

In any case hes always been more Iniesta than Xavi. Unfortunately ETH miss profiled him and its stuck so far. Hes a player who needs to be more involved in the attacking phase

 

[Redstain]

If your suggesting Mainoo who is slow and struggles to run could play wide or as a striker in senior football I’m really not sure how to respond.

I never suggested that Mainoo play as a striker, I'm talking about a player's natural instincts and adeptness to respond to different situations intuitively. His time in the academy perfectly reflects why for Manchester United he's been a better player in attacking positions. It has nothing to do with the notion of senior football.

Watch Mainoo's performances when he's out of possession, he drifts forward conventionally like a nunber 8, he doesn't read the game like how a natural 6 does in a double pivot. As stated Mainoo is at his best in attacking phases of play, he has never stood out for his contribution in the actual midfield.

Additionally, Amorim's system is nuanced so it doesn't facilitate traditional wide attacking players. The 10's are far more narrow compared to wingers, Ruben clearly acknowledged this with his assertion about Garnacho struggling to play 'inside'. The width is provided by the wingbacks.

Bruno is slow and not a runner yet he's accommodated in the 10 position. Mainoo has superior close control, is adept at running beyond opposition players and progresses the ball more successfully than Bruno, so he's perfectly capable of playing in the 10.

 

[Redstain]

He's a #10 (and should probably be developed as Bruno's successor). This playing him at #8 solely because he can control a ball and turn a man is an indictment on our lack of CM talent.

Exactly, it's not rocket science, the team looks better with Bruno in the central midfield, I know it's not his ideal position but Mainoo doesn't belong in a double pivot.

Pogba didn't belong there and I'd argue that Pogba has more in his arsenal to play there compared to Mainoo but it's still an example of players playing in the wrong position.

 

[Mike Smalling]

Some very worrying signs on the fundamentals of being a PL midfielder. Collyer looks so much more mobile and agile, for comparison. That isn’t going to change I feel.

He has bags of talent, but I wonder if the combination of skills and weaknesses he has really translate into a good overall footballer.

 

[cletus7]

To all the drama queens; two things to remember:
1. He was in good company playing a stinker today after the draining Arsenal game and the manager inviting pressure on the players in face of S’thon team that would predictably morph into an unrecognisable Old Trafford banana skin.
2. He wasn’t running fast when he was our best player for long stretches so let’s not turn that into a deal breaker

 

[Dan_F]

I think he was good against Newcastle, Liverpool and Arsenal. He's also had some poor performances this season, like tonight.

A 19 year old being inconsistent? Who would have thought?

Such a shitty fanbase in this thread. We don't deserve good players

Yeah basically this. I have no idea why I keep opening these threads knowing exactly what I’ll find.

And the team is full of inexperience. We’ve seen far older, more experienced players come to old Trafford and struggle at first. Players like Evra, Vidic, Rio would never have stayed at United if we just got rid of them after a year.

You only have to look at Amad who at 19/20 was nowhere near ready to start for us. These players will need time, it’s just unfortunate the senior players, bar Bruno, are shit.

 

[Bebe]

I never suggested that Mainoo play as a striker, I'm talking about a player's natural instincts and adeptness to respond to different situations intuitively. His time in the academy perfectly reflects why for Manchester United he's been a better player in attacking positions. It has nothing to do with the notion of senior football.

Watch Mainoo's performances when he's out of possession, he drifts forward conventionally like a nunber 8, he doesn't read the game like how a natural 6 does in a double pivot. As stated Mainoo is at his best in attacking phases of play, he has never stood out for his contribution in the actual midfield.

Additionally, Amorim's system is nuanced so it doesn't facilitate traditional wide attacking players. The 10's are far more narrow compared to wingers, Ruben clearly acknowledged this with his assertion about Garnacho struggling to play 'inside'. The width is provided by the wingbacks.

Bruno is slow and not a runner yet he's accommodated in the 10 position. Mainoo has superior close control, is adept at running beyond opposition players and progresses the ball more successfully than Bruno, so he's perfectly capable of playing in the 10.

Exactly, it's not rocket science, the team looks better with Bruno in the central midfield, I know it's not his ideal position but Mainoo doesn't belong in a double pivot.

Pogba didn't belong there and I'd argue that Pogba has more in his arsenal to play there compared to Mainoo but it's still an example of players playing in the wrong position.

Agreed with pretty much every word. Pogba is a good comparison point to raise. Was never an 8, was never a 6, but everyone wanted to make him into that (although I think he got in his own way as well).

Mainoo is really well suited to one of the attacking positions behind the striker in this system imo.

The nice thing about Bruno is he's fecking tireless and will pop everywhere no matter what position he's nominally playing.

 

[sammyhol]

Think it is weird how often a “summer with England” gets brought up for his lack of “fitness”.

Loads of other young players have played in summer tournaments over the years that don’t go on to run round like they have an anvil in their shorts the following season.

The lack of physical attributes he is demonstrating has a couple of possibilities for me:

1. He just doesn’t have the natural athletic assets for a top, PL midfielder. He also looks taller to me this season, and that growth spurt seems to have made him less mobile and have less stamina than his already pretty average prior levels.

2. He isn’t doing the right things to be in the right shape to maximise his potential. Potentially carrying too much muscle… personal training not suited to creating the optimum athletic physique for the on pitch demands… like the season Lukaku came back looking like a WWE wrestler.

It’s probs a mix of both. And hopefully finishing growing with the right training and diet might get his physical attributes where they need to be. But I fear he might just not have those natural assets unfortunately.

 

[Pughnichi]

Struggling with second season syndrome.

A slow start after euros
Coincided with injury
Eased back in

He should really be picking up his form…but he seems to be getting worse with every game

Still think he should be played in one of the 10 positions.

do think he would do well there. Be nice to see him and Amad playing close together

 

[Giggsyking]

He wants 200k. With his current performance, we should be offering quarter that tops.

 

[NoneHeavier]

He should stay quiet for now and train. 200k for this? No, thank you young man. Keep your head down, train, get your physicality up and earn your 200k.

 

[Scandi Red]

Looks absolutely nothing like the Mainoo from last season.

He needs to go on a spiritual journey and train with Yoda or something. I refuse to believe that he was just a one season wonder!

 

[Ollie Derbyshire]

Still think he should be played in one of the 10 positions.

Agreed, would be good to give him a few games there and see how it goes.

 

[Ollie Derbyshire]

He wants 200k. With his current performance, we should be offering quarter that tops.

Sell him like most what Garnacho sold, he’s offering less at the minute and it’ll be all profit as a lot keep reminding us!

 

[Oscar Bonavena]

Good technician but not a natural athlete and doesn't have good speed or mobility, especially in defensive scenarios (although funnily enough he looks a lot quicker in attack when he's going past players!)

I hope he's not going to be one of those players that can only play 1 game a week, because he looked like he was running through treacle tonight.

 

[cpresc]

Give him a break

He’s what 19 years old (?) playing for the biggest clubs in the world, his boyhood club, he’s in the papers nearly everyday, being threatened with being sold, seeing presumably someone he looks up to in Rashford being thrown out, in a new team system, playing central midfield with a new partner, and is burned out…

What do you expect right now?

Kobe’s a red. Let’s keep it that way

Settle down

 

[DatIrishFella]

He seems knackered. Both physically and creatively. I still believe he's a top talent.

Just needs a break.

 

[NZT-One]

I don't think he and Uagrte are an ideal fit for each other. Bit of a lack of passing range and given Ugarte goes for every ball there will be times he gets beat, you need the other midfielder to have the legs to cover the space in that instance.

People are overreacting though, England last Summer was very bad for this season for him, lost his pre season to injury in 23/24, Ten Hag ran him into the ground, international tournament, no pre season 24/25, cooked.

I think he will make a major step forward next season if he gets a solid summers work in.

Yep, sounds very plausible, especially the first sentence. But I think, he is also struggling with opponents starting to know him and his tendencies. We are talking about 2nd season syndrome and often think that this is just because the player we are looking gets a little burned out (and that probably is a factor as well) but I think a lot of it comes from opponents starting to know the players strengths and weaknesses and are ready to exploit. This is where the real talents show up, when they are ready to evolve from where they started to open up their games.

I overall completely agree with you, thats why I probably wouldn't have gotten for a manager with this particular midfield setup, I think, the players at hand suit a 3 man midfield the very best, with a deep lying ball winner and two 8s who are both able to contribute in different ways, one like Kobbie with his ball control and dribbling and as you said, a player with the passing. But, and thats why I struggle with ETH and Amorims decisions (although I obviously know that they are somewhat limited), those players should rounded midfielders, not attacking midfielders who can do a bit of a job in CM.

 

[Top_Bins]

He seems knackered. Both physically and creatively. I still believe he's a top talent.

Just needs a break.

I'd agree. He needs real competition for his spot.

 

[SungSam7]

Get the lad running on sand, he needs to build up endurance ASAP

 

[RuudTom83]

Him and Garnacho played too much last season. It was out of necessity because the senior players were so shit. But you can't have kids playing 20-30 games on the bounce and then not expect them to be burnt out afterwards.

1 game a week should be the maximum for them both, no exceptions.

 

[RedIan]

Sometimes hes brilliant sometimes he looks out of his depth. Not a good game tonight.

 

[Stig]

His tracking back is so half hearted. He seems to think that being within 4 or 5 yards of the player who has the ball is him doing his job. It's very poor.

Receiving the ball and turning, he's absolutely brilliant.

He needs to figure out tracking back with vigour to fulfill his potential. You can't be half hearted in your defending in the midfield.

 

[HotOne]

Still think he should be played in one of the 10 positions.

I agree. I think he's at his best around the edge to the box creating things. Doesn't have the legs or the experience to play CM, especially box to box in a 2. Not yet anyway.

 

[city-puma]

Don’t overplay him.

 

[Stig]

Him and Garnacho played too much last season. It was out of necessity because the senior players were so shit. But you can't have kids playing 20-30 games on the bounce and then not expect them to be burnt out afterwards.

1 game a week should be the maximum for them both, no exceptions.

I agree with this.

 

[Denis79]

Needs some rest, wouldn't mind Collyer getting a start.