Ruben Amorim has named two Manchester United celebrities who 'need to get better', acknowledging he doesn’t see them as Kobbie Mainoo As a 'fully active participant at the moment'.
Mainoo had a standout season during this time. Old Trafford Last year, he solidified his position as a beloved fan favorite. earning a place in England’s squad for Euro 2024 .
The 19-year-old midfielder impressed for England out in Germany, starting the European Championship final which the Three Lions lost to Spain .
But Mainoo’s development has stalled this season due to problems with form and fitness.
The England international has missed the last two months of the season through injury and Amorim, speaking at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening, insisted he needed to be ‘careful’ with Mainoo’s reintroduction.
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Amorim chose to position Mainoo as a No. 10 earlier in the season, and Even when playing as a false nine in one match following his disclosure about some issues with his performance.
Ahead of Manchester United's clash with Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals , Amorim outlined several aspects where Mainoo needs enhancement to evolve into a 'complete participant'.
When I look at Kobbie, I see immense talent," Amorim stated. "However, as far as I'm concerned—and I might be mistaken—I do notice certain areas where Kobbie needs improvement.
‘His pace in the game. He needs to improve in the build-up. Near the box, he has a lot of talent and that is why I think he did a really good game in the Europa League in that position.
‘But I don’t see a full player at the moment; he is 19. If I say I have seen the final player, I don’t think I am helping Kobbie.’
On Mainoo’s fitness, Amorim said: ‘In this moment, we have to be careful with Kobbie.
‘He had some games out so we have to be careful with his fitness. We are really pleased with him, but we have to be careful with him.’
Amorim also talked about Joshua Zirkzee’s performance at Manchester United, stating that he is 'getting better and displaying positive signs'.
Dutch national Zirzkee has faced a challenging initial campaign in the Premier League after arriving. $72.4 million summer transfer from Bologna .
'I believe he is progressing in every area,' Amorim stated. 'He should be more self-centered, which is crucial for someone playing upfront.'
‘While he isn’t your conventional forward, he needs to be more self-centered. He’s become more assertive, his work rate has improved, he defends better nowadays, and he links up play effectively.’
'In his match against Arsenal as a forward, he performed exceptionally well. During the encounters with Sociedad, he took up more of an attacking midfield role wearing the number 10 jersey. His performance has been getting better, demonstrating promising qualities.'
The UEFA Europa League provides Manchester United with an opportunity not just to win a trophy but also a pathway back into the Champions League.
Talking about the danger posed by potential quarter-final adversaries Lyon, Amorim stated, "When you examine the statistics, it becomes rather straightforward."
‘Lyon are faster, stronger and bigger than Sociedad. Since [Paulo] Fonseca came here, they are winning most of their games, scoring more goals and conceding less.
‘They are a strong team physically, but they have a type of game that is based on possession.’
Asked about the importance of winning the Europa League, Amorim said: ‘It is really important in all aspects.
‘The first one is to win a title, a European title. It will be nice for our confidence.
'Playing in the Champions League at our club is entirely distinct; the atmosphere, how we approach the upcoming season, the transfer budget for the summer, all these elements are intertwined with this tournament.'
'We recognize the pressure, yet it isn’t our primary concern at United. We possess other advantages to handle things correctly moving forward without the Champions League next season.'
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