Ruben Amorim will love what Kobbie Mainoo did vs West Ham, he responded to ‘perfect position’ claim

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Kobbie Mainoo responded brilliantly to Ruben Amorim’s pre-match comments with his performance in Manchester United’s win over West Ham.

After an undramatic draw against Leeds United in the first pre-season friendly, Manchester United beat West Ham 2-1 in New Jersey to kickstart the 2025 tour of the United States.

Bruno Fernandes scored both goals for the Red Devils after returning to an advanced No.10 position in Ruben Amorim’s side.

Further back in midfield, Amorim tested the partnership of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo and the Portuguese head coach will be delighted with what he saw.

Kobbie Mainoo showed his strengths in Man United vs West Ham

Earlier this week, Amorim explained what he wanted from Mainoo in pre-season, suggesting the teenage midfielder could look to improve his pace and intensity in matches.

“I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace,” Amorim said on Mainoo. He added: “Last year, he played more in front. I think his perfect position is more near the ball, always with the ball.”

It is known that Amorim wants an “athletic” midfielder this summer, but it seems he has a plan for Mainoo to drop him back into a central midfield role.

Alongside Ugarte, Mainoo showed huge signs of promise, both with the ball at his feet and also in his counter-press to win back possession.

He played a big role in the second goal, showing plenty of energy in midfield before Fernandes doubled United’s lead with an excellent finish.

Mainoo has been working hard over the summer, and he appears to be in great shape already in pre-season. Amorim wants intensity, and Mainoo delivered that against West Ham.

Kobbie Mainoo can shine in midfield in 2025/26

There have been big question marks over where Mainoo fits in Amorim’s plans, but it seems his long-term future lies as a central midfielder.

United could still dip into the market for a new midfielder, but it seems Mainoo has a big role to play in 2025/26.

Amorim has been drilling his players to be extremely fit and to be full of energy and intensity – he specifically demands that from the two central midfielders.

READ MORE: Man Utd fans all saying same thing about Manuel Ugarte after performance vs West Ham, ‘anyone who says he hasn’t…’

If Mainoo can continue to develop his partnership with Ugarte, Amorim might have found his first-choice midfield combination for the upcoming campaign.

Mainoo has already impressed Rio Ferdinand this summer, and the Carrington graduate seems hungry to get his development back on track in 2025/26 after a slight stall last season.