Manchester United midfielder Koby Mainu has been in top form during the October international break, despite struggling to secure a regular place in Ruben Amorim’s side. It has been difficult for Mainu to make his mark since the Portuguese manager took over at Old Trafford. The manager has revealed that he is competing with Bruno Fernandes for the starting spot, which will limit his playing time.
Mainu has assumed the role of an advanced playmaker, but the additions of Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo have further complicated his quest for a permanent place. This lack of game time led to the 20-year-old requesting a loan move from Old Trafford. With the World Cup coming to the end of the season, Mainu will have to consider regular football for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Amorim quickly dismissed Mainu’s request, insisting that he was an integral part of the team. Despite this, he is yet to start a Premier League game for United and transfer speculation is likely to resurface by the time the January window opens.
Despite any frustrations, Mainu continued to maintain his professional standards. During his international break, he traveled to Marbella in preparation for the restart of the Premier League.
He has been training on the pitch and in the gym under the beating Spanish sun. The midfielder shared a snap from his gym session on Instagram, captioning the post: “Blessed.”
This will no doubt be a welcome sight to the Amorim, who will appreciate the dedication of the Mainu to their craft.
Meanwhile, the players themselves are probably looking forward to their chance to shine on the pitch. The Red Devils are scheduled to face Liverpool in their next Premier League match on Sunday.
Amorim doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere anytime soon, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe planning to give him up to three seasons to prove himself.
United’s struggling manager recently spoke about Maynou, insisting he can do more to earn him a place in the starting XI.
Amorim said before the Manchester derby: “I didn’t talk to him until the window was closed because I didn’t want him to think I was talking just to hang on to him.
“I have a lot of faith in him. He’s a top player, but some people think Koby Mainu is finished (the perfect player). I think he can do better.”
“(Talent) is enough for some players, but not for him. It might be unfair, but I think I’m helping Coby and that’s it.”
