"Only reason": Amorim hints "smart" Man Utd star won't be starting vs Bournemouth

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has provided a fresh update on midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the Premier League clash against Bournemouth tonight.

The Red Devils are presently eighth in the league standings with 25 points, but they can go within goal difference of fourth-placed Chelsea with a victory over the Cherries.

In the pre-match presser, Mainoo’s future was once again a major topic, and Amorim was asked about the recent criticism from former players over the midfielder’s limited playing time.

The Portuguese tactician has repeatedly said that the club graduate is a backup behind captain Bruno Fernandes for the number eight position, and reiterated the same.

Amorim said that Mainoo is playing in the same role as Fernandes, and it is ‘really hard’ to take the latter out of the team. He highlighted that it is the ‘only reason’ behind the choice.

He told Manutd.com: “About Kobbie, I can speak about Kobbie every press conference. Sometimes it’s harder for me to speak after the game. It’s always the same situation for me.

“All of them are the same. I know that for you guys, there are some players that you believe a lot, and I believe a lot. But sometimes I have to make a choice.

“We play with two midfielders in these games. We could change in the future. But Kobbie Mainoo, he’s playing in the same position as Bruno Fernandes.

“Sometimes it’s really hard. Sometimes it’s really hard to take Bruno Fernandes out of the team, and that is the only reason.”

Mainoo has yet to make a Premier League start for the Red Devils this campaign. Amorim has preferred Casemiro and Fernandes in the heart of the midfield.

There have been suggestions that Casemiro could be rested to manage his workload, but the manager has continued to pick the Brazilian in the number six role.

Amorim said that Mainoo can operate as a defensive midfielder in his pre-match presser, but remained less committal about playing him in that position in the future.

Mainoo, described as ‘smart‘ by Victor Lindelof in the past, is clearly considered a backup option behind Fernandes, but could occasionally come off the bench for Casemiro.

Manuel Ugarte and Mainoo are the immediate deputy midfield options in the squad, and it remains to be seen whether the latter pushes for a loan exit in the New Year.

Mainoo has been reported to be eyeing a temporary challenge elsewhere this winter. Amorim has not ruled out the possibility of the midfielder heading out on loan.

Article written by Sri Aswin .