Mainoo before the test of courage

At the age of 20, Kobbie Mainoo was once considered the greatest hope of Manchester United's academy.

But after just a few months under Ruben Amorim, the young midfielder has lost his untouchable status. Once the “bright pearl” of Carrington, Mainoo now faces a thorny challenge: either patiently fight to assert himself, or seriously think about the future in a context where his career is at risk of stalling.

When trust is gradually eroded

The image of Mainoo getting off the bus at Craven Cottage with a heavy face was emblematic of his current state: a player out of tune. He didn’t play a single minute against Fulham, only taking part in a few warm-up exercises – a rare moment when he smiled. Including friendlies, Mainoo has started just two of seven games this season.

A place in the Carabao Cup against Grimsby is all but assured, but after that he is likely to return to the Premier League bench. It has been an uncomfortable few days, and a test of character.

Mainoo can either be patient and prove his worth, or find a new club to play more regularly. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a new contract has not been agreed, while the Man United board has begun to look at the academy player through a financial lens. Amorim once praised: "With legs like that, if he finds the right rhythm, he will always open up new solutions." The belief is there, but the paradox is that the Portuguese coach has left him on the bench match after match.

Mainoo can accept patience to prove his worth, or find a new destination to play more regularly.

Mainoo’s story is reminiscent of Ryan Gravenberch. Once considered out of step at Liverpool, the Dutch midfielder blossomed into a key player under Arne Slot, helping the team win the Premier League and being voted into the PFA team. The problem is not the player himself, but the context and the tactical system.

Mainoo is no different. In La Liga, he can shine with his technique and positional sense. But the Premier League is a demanding environment, demanding speed and stamina at every turn. Moments of lapsed reflexes – such as Mainoo’s gaze on the ball during the goals conceded against Liverpool last season – make Amorim wary.

The harsh reality at Old Trafford

Amorim favours a complementary midfield pairing: one attacking, one defending. Mainoo – who is more of a coordinator – becomes “stuck” between the two extremes. The Fulham draw is an example: Mason Mount was pushed high at 0-0, then Ugarte came on to keep the score at 1-0. There was almost no space for Mainoo.

Worse, he is also in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes. Amorim admitted: “Bruno and Kobbie play in the same position.” When Fernandes remains impregnable, Mainoo’s chances are clearly narrowed.

Mainoo is no longer protected as “inviolable property”.

Mainoo is no longer protected as an “untouchable asset”. Contract negotiations are at a standstill, and the transfer market can always turn things around. But adversity can sometimes be an opportunity. With enough patience, Mainoo can still turn things around, as Gravenberch did at Liverpool.

Mainoo has been hailed as “the Carrington version of La Masia”, with his lithe physique, technical ability and intelligence. But in the Premier League he will need more: character, tenacity and adaptability. The coming week, along with domestic cup games, will be a crucial test.

If he can overcome this, Mainoo can find his smile again and open a new chapter at Man United. If not, he will just be one of many talents who have flashed and then faded in the harsh cycle of Old Trafford.

Source: https://znews.vn/mainoo-truoc-bai-kiem-tra-ban-linh-post1580245.html