Mainoo tipped for Man Utd position change under Amorim

Cameron Smith

• 8 Nov 2024 18:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has tipped Kobbie Mainoo to be used in a new position upon Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford.

Mainoo, 19, emerged as one of the Red Devils’ most important players during his debut campaign in the first-team and his performances last season earned him an inclusion in England’s squad for the 2024 European Championship.

The teenager is currently sidelined through injury, and has only featured once for his country under Lee Carsley as a result, but Scholes believes his return to the Man Utd senior squad could result in a new position.

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Amorim will officially take over when his notice period at Sporting CP ends on 11 November and he will take charge of his first Man Utd game against Ipswich Town after the November international break concludes.

The Portuguese tactician’s arrival will likely result in a new formation at Old Trafford, with Amorim favouring a 3-4-3 system throughout his time at Sporting.

Several key changes are therefore expected to take place when Amorim formally joins the club next week, and Scholes believes Mainoo could be moved into a new role by the incoming Man Utd boss.

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What has Paul Scholes said?

“He’s [Amorim] got his two number 10s, which is something you don’t see here. And I think he’s got the players,” Scholes told TNT Sports ahead of Man Utd’s 2-0 win over PAOK on Thursday.

“I think [Bruno] Fernandes is definitely one of them. I actually think Mainoo could be one of them as well.

“I think he’d be a better player playing higher up as one of the 10s with a bit of security in behind. I think it would suit him more.”

Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Antony are expected to challenge for the final spot in Man Utd’s three-man attack under Amorim, alongside Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund, but Scholes believes Mainoo could be the answer instead.

The England international made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five goals and providing one assist.