I'd be really disappointed if Mainoo is sold. He's only 20, with big potential. I think it would be a huge mistake and could be very embarrassing if he excels elsewhere. Pogba at Juve comes to mind.
I like Mainoo - But like other said - He's great for a game, then goes AWOL for a couple of games.
I see this a lot.
I like him. He's one of our own. He has potential. We don't know his best position. He has clutch moments. He's good in tight spaces.
Objectively I don't think he is currently good enough to play in a two man midfield. From what we have seen it is not his game and this is why I think we have all this rumour. Personally I don't think he will be sold in this window but it is quite obvious that Amorim does not rate him the way the English press and some United fans do.
The biggest problem with Kobbie is he lacks athleticism. That can be broken down into three areas
1. Physical strength not to be man handled off the ball whilst in possession. I think this has improved and he is very tricky with good close control, making this attribute much less of an issue.
2. Speed over short distance. He's not slow but he lacks the explosive power over 10-15 yds to move into space when in possession and to close a gap or opponent down when out of possession.
3. He appears to lack stamina to be able to play at the required intensity for an extended period. I see him as a lanquid player who rests whenever he can rather than play 100% until he can't. In other words it looks like he holds back.
I think this is underscored by what Amorim said about him needing to develop the intensity and rhythm in his play. You cannot be a "coaster" in a 2 man midfield pivot.
We got carried away with this lad who is after all 20yo, had a stellar impact at 18yo and ended up in an England team. Simply put he was not ready and has struggled to build on his breakout either through injury (of which there have been quite a few) or form. Now what we see is a familiar story - young lad breaks through, gets hyped beyond reality, agent over stretches his worth and player that cannot handle the truth. The coach does not think you are ready to be the Manchester United midfield pivot. Just as Paul Scholes was not ready at 20yo. Mainoo clearly has talent not least of all his coolness under pressure in the opposition box. He has thrived in clutch moments but he has not ever bossed a game or a half or even twenty minutes say the way Cesc Fabregas did at a very young age. Whilst I'm sad he's not the solution to our problems I do support Amorim's judgement that he is not first choice yet and has to earn it. Earn it on the pitch and not through a media frenzy that frankly cannot be justified if you are basing it on performances.
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