Manchester United’s squad has several areas of strength right now and Ruben Amorim needs to take advantage of this.
When Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford, the Portuguese head coach had his work cut out, with not only a poor squad, but also one which was severely underperforming.
Not a lot went right for Amorim at Manchester United last season, but he got plenty of patience due to fans accepting the state of the club at the time.
However, months later, pre-season is underway and there are reasons to be positive and full of hope.
Recruitment has been unanimously good for the first time in a long time, with United signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves adding goals and creativity, along with a character that the club has been missing for years.
Additionally, United signed one of the Premier League’s best players in Bryan Mbeumo, with the left-footed forward costing £65m which may yet turn out to be a bargain.
However, the new season also sees plenty of excitement around existing players who could be like new players, with Rio Ferdinand praising one in particular.
Rio Ferdinand tells Ruben Amorim to make Kobbie Mainoo his crown jewel
United have a lot of talent in the squad, despite what last season showed, and Kobbie Mainoo is the player fans are most excited to see more from next season.
Amorim has already outlined exciting plans for Mainoo at United, as the 20-year-old midfielder looks to kick on after struggling last season through injuries and other issues.
Now, speaking during a live stream with Stephen Howson, Ferdinand has outlined why he thinks Amorim simply has to make Mainoo the star of this United team.
“He’s a better ball carrier [than Scholes], he’s a better manipulator under pressure, and press resistance”, the legendary defender said on the Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
“I heard Amorim talking about demanding more from Kobbie Mainoo. Build it around Kobbie Mainoo man, I think he is that good.
“I saw him at a top international level at a tournament, to say that this kid you build around him. He’s got the ________, he’s got the bravery, the skillset to go out and play at Old Trafford I think and be a dominant player, but you have to give him the keys. He’s got to earn it and listen to the manager. I think this kid could be anything.”
Mainoo needs to be handed the keys to the kingdom this season by Amorim, with the potential to be a world-beater.
Kobbie Mainoo can be like a new signing for Manchester United
Mainoo was labelled as ‘generational’ for United after his breakout into the side during the 2023/24 campaign, and this label was completely justified.
The youngster had a stratospheric rise under Erik ten Hag, but it was ultimately too fast, as he broke down last summer and struggled to regain fitness over the course of the season despite some bright flashes.
Mainoo showed impressive passing range during the pre-season opener against Leeds in Stockholm, which is a sign that he is developing after stagnating under Ten Hag for so long.
While not a guaranteed starter, Mainoo can be like a new signing in midfield for United this summer with a new number six wanted in the transfer market.
Mainoo’s long-term future is the midfield and this season is when he can nail down a starting role so that he is ready to make his impact and dominate like Ferdinand suggested.
Still being 20, Mainoo has time on his side and by the time he turns 21, he could be thought of as one of the best young talents in world football again, the world is at his feet.
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