KOBBIE MAINOO is being put through intense training sessions by Ruben Amorim to revive his Manchester United career.
The England midfielder was ready to leave Old Trafford in the summer but the Red Devils denied him a move.
Mainoo is struggling to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s starting XI[/caption]
He is being put through his paces at Carrington in order to earn a starting spot.[/caption]
Amorim remains a fan of Mainoo despite his selection decisions.[/caption]
Amorim must replace the suspended Casemiro for tomorrow’s (Sat) Prem trip to Brentford and SunSport understands the 20-year-old is pushing hard for the number six role alongside Bruno Fernandes.
A United source said: “Ruben has been working with Kobbie on his defensive plays and skills, talking with him a lot about defensive commitment in order to try him alongside Bruno at some point.
“Kobbie also has the ability to play as a number six, which is important since Casemiro has had some ups and downs, will be suspended, and (Manuel) Ugarte hasn’t fully convinced Amorim yet.
“Kobbie’s athleticism and hunger to succeed are seen as very important by Ruben, and he is clearly showing him that he wants him committed and ready to help in any central midfield position, even now as a number six, since the team lacks impact in that role.”
Mainoo has made only four appearances this season with his only start the Carabao Cup humiliating defeat to Grimsby.
The academy graduate wanted to move on but United chiefs rejected his plea for a loan switch.
His contract, which does not expire until 2027, has reached a stalemate with the club.
Mainoo is desperate to keep his World Cup dream alive and wants to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans next summer.
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The source added: “Kobbie is a player Ruben likes a lot, but he also wants him to keep working hard, be ready to make sacrifices, and understand that opportunities and playing time will come over the course of a long season.
“Ruben trusts Kobbie’s talent and sees that he has been working very hard and giving everything in training lately.
“He likes seeing Kobbie in “warrior mode” lately and enjoys that he has developed this kind of mentality.
“Ruben loves Kobbie’s athleticism, football IQ, and skillset. He is challenging him to make him better and sees him as a strong option to play as a defensive midfielder in certain games and situations.
“Ruben feels that using Kobbie as a six in some matches will help him become a better, more complete player and keep improving to reach his full potential.”
