Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed

Kobbie Mainoo is on the brink of a return. (Image: Getty)

Danny Murphy has effectively suggested that Kobbie Mainoo has no future in Manchester United's midfield under Ruben Amorim. The 19-year-old prodigy established himself as a crucial cog in Erik ten Hag's plans last season, making 32 appearances in all competitions.

He has also already played his way into the England frame, earning 10 caps since his debut in March, including six at Euro 2024.

However, Mainoo's campaign so far has been a struggle, with injury struggles limiting him to just nine games.

Related articles Man Utd become first Premier League club to offer free sanitary products for men Man Utd make Chido Obi Martin decision as Ruben Amorim hints at team changes

The United No. 37 returned to the matchday squad for the first time since October 6 against Ipswich Town, but he wasn't among the five substitutes brought on by Amorim.

Manuel Ugarte did feature off the bench at Portman Road after reuniting with Amorim, who coached the 23-year-old at Sporting.

const loadOvpScript=()=>{let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)};window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript();ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

And Murphy believes the Portuguese coach's long-term vision for the midfield double pivot in his 3-4-3 system will involve Ugarte and a new signing.

"To play that role well, United's midfielders will need to be more than just mobile, too," the former Premier League star wrote for BBC Sport.

Manuel Ugarte should be key for Ruben Amorim. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

"They will both have to love the defensive side of the game and be able to spot danger and then be fast enough to stop it. In the long run, I think Manuel Ugarte will be one of them.

"He needs a run of games to get his sharpness back, but we have seen glimpses of how good he is, for example, in the Europa League against Fenerbahce last month, and he has flourished under Amorim at Sporting before.

"As for who Ugarte will have alongside him, well, it will probably be someone who is not at the club at the moment.

"There is going to have to be activity in the next couple of transfer windows for them to get the type of player Amorim requires."

SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Related articles Diogo Dalot shares dressing room impact Ruben Amorim has already made at Man Utd Ruben Amorim to rotate Man Utd XI in Europa League as boss drops team news hint Man Utd star that Erik ten Hag had problem with causes issue for Ruben Amorim This widget requires javascript to work.Manchester Unitedman-utd!function n(e,i){"function"==typeof window[e]?new window[e]("24112510511320","keep_sell"):--i>0&&setTimeout((function(){n(e,i)}),100)}("du_keep_sell_21_ks19_widget",30)

While Murphy overlooked Mainoo during his assessment, the teenage sensation is undoubtedly among a young core of players who Amorim will be excited to develop at Old Trafford.

The 39-year-old boss has also inherited talents like Leny Yoro, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to build his long-term plan around.

Amorim will delve into the transfer market to help mould his squad, albeit under limitations imposed by concerns about the Premier League and UEFA's financial regulations.

But helping the youthful core of United's squad thrive - as well as the club's abundance of prospects in the academy - is set to be just as important a priority.

Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed

Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed

Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed

Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed

Kobbie Mainoo 'written off' without playing under Ruben Amorim as Man Utd transfer backed