What Ruben Amorim has been working on with Kobbie Mainoo in Man Utd training

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This season hasn’t been ideal for Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United, with minutes inconsistent and ultimately difficult to come by.

After a largely positive summer pre-season, Ruben Amorim failed to give Kobbie Mainoo a single minute in the opening two games of this season, which sparked plenty of talk over his future.

Late in the transfer window, Mainoo was pushing to leave on loan, however Manchester United wanted to keep him, meaning a deal never transpired.

Mainoo has since gotten more playing time, but they have come inconsistently. Against Chelsea, Mainoo only got a few minutes at the end of the game, which is nowhere near enough for a player of his ability.

Due to the situation, Phil Jones thinks Mainoo will leave in January, however, with midfield ranks so slim, the club cannot afford to lose the number 37.

Despite the chance of his exit, over the past few days, it has emerged that Mainoo is working to get into Amorim’s plans. Now, it has been reported what the head coach is planning to do with his midfield talent.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim planning to use Kobbie Mainoo alongside Bruno Fernandes

Mainoo won’t be happy with his campaign thus far, however, the season is still young and it could quickly turn around, especially when Amorim seems to be keen on helping him get there.

Amorim has admitted he wants to help Mainoo to reach his ultimate potential, opposed to just playing him relentlessly and burning him out.

Now, according to The Sun, Amorim has been working with Mainoo in training to mould him into that number six role, as a source is quoted explaining in the report.

“Ruben has been working with Kobbie on his defensive plays and skills, talking with him a lot about defensive commitment in order to try him alongside Bruno at some point.

“Kobbie also has the ability to play as a number six, which is important since Casemiro has had some ups and downs, will be suspended, and (Manuel) Ugarte hasn’t fully convinced Amorim yet.

“Kobbie’s athleticism and hunger to succeed are seen as very important by Ruben, and he is clearly showing him that he wants him committed and ready to help in any central midfield position, even now as a number six, since the team lacks impact in that role.”

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Kobbie Mainoo is ready to play alongside Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United

When the season started, Mainoo seemed firmly behind Bruno Fernandes in the pecking order of the more progressive midfielder. However, this shouldn’t be the case and Amorim has realised.

To start with, neither Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte are ideal number six solutions anyway, with Mainoo offering just as much as the pair off the ball, but on the ball he brings much more.

Mainoo impressed in the six next to Fernandes against Burnley, putting in an excellent defensive midfield shift, showing intensity and winning tackles.

Having seen various combinations, Mainoo and Fernandes was United’s best partnership, bringing the most control to a game, and this is something Amorim should be looking for.

Hopefully, with Casemiro suspended this weekend against Brentford, Mainoo gets the chance to show what he can do.