Kobbie Mainoo’s Struggle for Game Time at Manchester United and What It Really Says About Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim’s Three-Year Free Pass

Let’s start with the obvious. Ruben Amorim has the keys to Manchester United right now and Sir Jim Ratcliffe basically told him, “Don’t worry, mate, take three years and show us what you’ve got.”

Ratcliffe literally said,

“Ruben needs to demonstrate he is a great coach over three years. You can’t run a club like Manchester United on knee-jerk reactions.”
— Sky Sports

Now, I get the logic. United have been a revolving door of managers since Sir Alex retired, so giving someone time makes sense. But here’s the issue, that patience is starting to feel like a shield. Amorim’s being backed to rebuild, yes, but that also means players like Kobbie Mainoo are being left behind in the name of process.

If we’re being real, there’s rebuilding and then there’s overthinking. Right now, Amorim’s leaning dangerously close to the latter.

The “He’s Not Ready Yet” Talk

Amorim has spoken about Mainoo and the quotes are interesting. Before the City game, he said,

“Like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I believe a lot in Kobbie. Some of you think Kobbie Mainoo is already done. I think he can do so much better.”
— Manchester United Official Site

He followed up with,

“Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo. He will have opportunities like the other guys. I believe a lot in him.”
— Manchester United Official Site

That sounds nice but it doesn’t help much when you’re stuck on the bench. “I believe in him” is great, but belief without minutes is like having a gym membership and never showing up. You’re not getting stronger sitting down.

Mainoo is not some academy prospect waiting for a debut. He’s already shown he can handle big moments. Remember his performances against Arsenal and City last season. The kid can hang. The question is, why’s he suddenly watching games from the sidelines.

Amorim’s System vs Mainoo’s Magic

I’ll give Amorim this, his system demands a lot. High tempo, tactical discipline, constant pressing. It’s not the kind of setup where flair gets to roam free. But let’s not pretend Mainoo can’t adapt. The lad has football IQ for days.

Amorim seems to prefer the safer choice, the steady midfielders who keep shape and recycle possession. But steady doesn’t win you big games. United’s problem isn’t structure, it’s spark.

Mainoo is the kind of player who can take a boring midfield and make it breathe. He can turn a tight space into a goal chance, or a defensive trap into a counter-attack. You don’t teach that, that’s instinct. So why bench it.

It feels like Amorim’s trying to make every player fit his system, instead of adapting his system to get the best out of his most talented players. That’s where managers start to lose dressing rooms.

What I Really Think About All This

I understand Amorim’s thinking, he wants control, structure, and consistency. But football isn’t a PowerPoint presentation, it’s about rhythm, confidence, and trust.

Mainoo’s confidence comes from playing. Every week he’s benched, that sharpness fades just a little. Amorim might believe he’s helping him, but it’s hard to grow when you’re standing still.

If I’m Mainoo, I’m frustrated, not because I think I’ve made it, but because I know I can help this team right now. And if I’m Amorim, I need to realize that trusting young talent isn’t a risk, it’s a reward waiting to happen.

The Bigger Picture at United

When you zoom out, it’s clear Ratcliffe’s giving Amorim a long leash. That’s fine, long-term vision and all that. But at some point, this patience needs to translate into progress. It’s not just about systems or fitness metrics, it’s about knowing when to unleash your best weapons.

Mainoo’s got the mentality, the composure, and the engine to be United’s midfield heartbeat. If Amorim keeps waiting for him to develop, he might end up watching that development happen at another club.

Final Thoughts

When you line up Amorim’s cautious comments with Ratcliffe’s public backing, it’s obvious United are in a transition phase. But transitions can’t last forever.

Kobbie Mainoo isn’t a maybe, he’s a must. And if United want to stop the cycle of underachievement, they need to start building around players like him, not waiting for the perfect moment to trust them.

That’s my take. I like Amorim, but I think he’s overcomplicating something simple. Mainoo’s not just ready, he’s necessary.

If you’re into grounded but passionate takes like this, stick around for more. Follow GloryReds FC for match reactions, tactical breakdowns, and honest opinions you won’t hear on TV.