Kobbie Mainoo (out)

Dannn411 said:
He can still be absolutely top class player btw but it has to be in a specific system with 3 midfielders. He can't play in a 2-man midfield yet. He doesn't have the legs and his passing and shooting is not great enough to compensate for lack of physical qualities.

There have been a number of all time great midfielders who had little to no physical qualities (Pirlo, Kroos, Xavi, Scholes and Modric immediately come to mind). But those guys are amongst the greatest passers and strikers of the ball ever. That what he needs to aim for. Passing range and shooting need to go up several levels over the next few years if he wants to be truly world class.
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Modric isnt anywhere near the other guys in terms of physicality. Stamina and mobility are far higher than the other guys you listed, that is why he is still playing. He also has the thickest legs and strength, you can't push him around
 
There is clearly something wrong with Mainoo. He was a shining star before Euros, and now he looks below average.

While it can be multiple things, I wonder if he is played in a wrong position. Most games I have seen him shine in, he was great in attack. Which makes me question playing him so deep, alongside Ugarte. Feels more a necessity, because we have no other defensively-minded midfielder, rather than best position for him. He may be better behind the striker.

Would love to see Bruno pulled back, playing alongside Ugarte, and Mainoo-Amad pair as #10s. Doesn't look like Amorim has any intention of doing it, but I think it would be very interesting
 
With Utd doing so poorly in the league he'll probably be seeking to leave to win trophies.
 
NewGlory said:
There is clearly something wrong with Mainoo. He was a shining star before Euros, and now he looks below average.

While it can be multiple things, I wonder if he is played in a wrong position. Most games I have seen him shine in, he was great in attack. Which makes me question playing him so deep, alongside Ugarte. Feels more a necessity, because we have no other defensively-minded midfielder, rather than best position for him. He may be better behind the striker.

Would love to see Bruno pulled back, playing alongside Ugarte, and Mainoo-Amad pair as #10s. Doesn't look like Amorim has any intention of doing it, but I think it would be very interesting
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progress is non-linear for players that age, their body is still growing for one thing

that's before you consider the multitude of other factors that can hold them back, like injuries, pressure, the team struggling around him, or the manager changing

a better environment to grow by far would be surrounded by more capable midfielders who the team can rely on when Mainoo needs a break, but we don't have that

what there is clearly something wrong with is the surrounding structure, that is supposed to be helping him grow and thrive, but is instead pilling immense pressure on his shoulders, as a teenager, to save Manchester United from itself

what's happening with Mainoo is completely expected, and predictable, and normal
 
Pronewbie said:
System or not I'm just surprised he can't even swivel past his man any more.
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It isn't a problem with formation if he looks heavy legged, out of pace, miss-places passes and can't get by his man. Maybe it is a second season syndrome and being run into the ground type of thing. But he doesn't strike me as very athletic type. Give him time to come good.
 
It's not all system, maybe also poor form but don't think he can play in a 2 like this at all. He's already quite an awkward midfielder in terms of his attributes, but he seems completely lost in this system.

Not that it would make us title contenders, but Mazraoui, Diallo, Mainoo, Bruno would benefit so much from just a regular 433.
 
In more ‘normal’ circumstances with the team doing well and some actual midfielders in the squad, he’d be free to be incorporated more sporadically as most young players coming through are.

Utd’s sorry predicament means he has to play more, but consequently judgement is made earlier on him also (maybe unfairly, maybe not). From what I’ve seen he won’t be a starting midfielder for a top 4 side as he lacks any outstanding attribute - decent at some things but not elite defensively or creativity wise - and given the clubs situation financially I’d understand him being sold. Make no mistake though his sale would be a direct consequence of the transfer fees and salaries of Antony, Casemiro, Rashford etc., so another thing for Murtough & co to shoulder blame for.
 
Paul Scholes was older than Kobbie is now when he made his first team debut.

He played 20 games that season, and didn't pass 35 appearances in a season until he was 21.

I'm not saying Kobbie will be a player like scholes, but I am saying you don't sell your best youth players until you see if that potential turns into performances, and we are nowhere near finding out yet.
 
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My issue with Mainoo is that he isn't necessarily what we need right now, even when he has a good performance he does not bust a lung, he is the kind of player we are going to need in 12-18 months when we have better, fitter, more physical players around him, at the moment he is a bit of a porsche in a demolition derby, I think he could be a lot more effective in the 8/10 role but there is no possibility of him playing there yet as we have nobody to partner Ugarte, but I would not sell unless it was stupid money.

Mainoo is being over used, because basically there are no other options, he needs to be used more sparingly or his development is going to be affected.
 
Zed 101 said:
My issue with Mainoo is that he isn't necessarily what we need right now, even when he has a good performance he does not bust a lung, he is the kind of player we are going to need in 12-18 months when we have better, fitter, more physical players around him, at the moment he is a bit of a porsche in a demolition derby, I think he could be a lot more effective in the 8/10 role but there is no possibility of him playing there yet as we have nobody to partner Ugarte, but I would not sell unless it was stupid money.

Mainoo is being over used, because basically there are no other options, he needs to be used more sparingly or his development is going to be affected.
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That's not really how things work anymore, every player needs to work hard.
 
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