Paul Parker has had his say on Ruben Amorim overlooking Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, despite Manchester United’s ongoing struggles in the middle of the pitch.
Kobbie Mainoo finds himself in an awkward position at Manchester United. He is approaching a World Cup year but isn’t getting enough game time to warrant a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
That explains why Mainoo wanted to leave United on loan in the summer. It’s a drop from being the younger player who emerged from United’s academy to playing a key role in the FA Cup triumph in 2023.
The 20-year-old has been limited to just one start this season, in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, meaning he has been limited to three substitute appearances in the Premier League.
Questions will be asked about Amorim’s decision the longer he overlooks Mainoo.
Paul Parker urges Ruben Amorim to play Kobbie Mainoo more
Amorim has not shied away from making big calls since being United’s head coach.
Some of those include selling Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, as well as loaning Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund out.
The biggest call yet was to send Andre Onana on loan to Trabzonspor, with Altay Bayindir starting every league match thus far.
The decision that has caused most United fans to scratch their heads is the fact that Mainoo hasn’t started any league games.
Former United right-back Paul Parker has now had his say on the matter.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Parker said that Mainoo should be playing now: “Well, I personally just on the first bit on that last bit there, I think Kobbie [Mainoo] should be playing now.
“Yeah, I think he should be playing now. Kobbie without a doubt, he should be playing in the middle.”
With United playing Brentford at 12:30 pm, we will soon see if Mainoo is in the starting line-up, as Casemiro has been ruled out for one game with a suspension. Amorim could also start Manuel Ugarte alongside Bruno Fernandes in the centre of the pitch.
Teddy Sheringham urges Leeds to move for Mainoo
Teddy Sheringham, who won the treble with United in 1999, believes Mainoo is the type of player Leeds should target.
Leeds were among those linked with a move for Mainoo, but he remained at Old Trafford, and there is still hope that he will eventually win a place in Amorim’s team.
When asked if Mainoo is the type of player Leeds should target, Sheringham told The Yorkshire Post: “Yes – without a doubt. Not even six months ago, he was in the England set-up and people were raving about him. He can’t be that bad a player.
“He just needs to get someone who loves the way he plays. This game is all about opinions and just because Amorim doesn’t fancy him, it doesn’t mean to say [Daniel] Farke won’t and get the best out of him.
“Put an arm around him and tell him how good he is, team him up with someone in midfield who accommodates him and all of a sudden, you’ve got a player back on your hands. If Leeds could get someone like that on loan, it would definitely be a plus point.”
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