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.
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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.
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.
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"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."
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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.
