Koby Mainu has started just one game for Manchester United this season and remains linked with a departure in the January transfer window, with Napoli believed to be the favorites to sign him.
Ruben Amorim has revealed a departure from his preferred formation that could potentially save Koby Mainu’s career at Manchester United. Mainu, 20, is almost halfway through the season and has yet to start a Premier League game, and could leave on loan or permanently in the January transfer window.
Italian giants Napoli have been heavily linked with a move after failing to make an approach in the summer, and the 10-time England cap is desperate for competitive action in the lead-up to the World Cup. Mainoo also has 18 months left on his current contract at Old Trafford, and there has been no talk of a new contract.
Amorim was reluctant to use midfielders, preferring to use Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as the starting pair, while often using Manuel Ugarte as Casemiro’s substitute in the second half of games. Mainu’s only start came in the Carabao Cup second round in August, when United lost on penalties to Grimsby Town.
But now the Red Devils manager has hinted that playing as an extra midfielder and removing the forward could give the academy graduate a lifeline. Ahead of United’s game against Bournemouth on Monday, Amorim was asked what his assessment was of Mainu, who has only started 16 of 58 games.
“Of course, like everyone else. The problem is that we play with two players[in midfield]but you look at Coby differently than I do,” the Portuguese coach answered.
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“Maybe if we played three midfielders instead of just two, Coby could get more minutes. Imagine if this happened, someone in front would lose his position.”
“Sometimes it’s a moment. I think you’ve proven that if you change your mind you can (get into the team). Casemiro is the biggest example of that. He was behind Toby (Collier) and now he’s a starter.”
Amorim continued: “The door is open for any player to change my mind, but at the end of the day it’s training and games. Of course he hasn’t played that many games, but Cobbs had his chances, especially last year.”
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“I just look at the team and try to win the next game. I will do that until the end. Cobbs is another player and I understand all the interest. I understand how important it is. The hopes that you and the English players have. I just want to win too. If he is the right player, I will bring him in, no problem.”
The United manager was asked a total of seven questions about Maynou during his press conference, most notably adding that he was open to discussing his departure in January.
“First of all, the team comes first. If Koby comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him,” Amorim continued.
“I’m not going to say anything to Koby, but I’d be really happy if Koby would come talk to me about it. I want the players to be happy and understand that they each have their own goals. Frustration doesn’t help anyone. But again, the focus is on this game. We’ll see if that happens.”
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