Manchester United’s boss Ruben Amorim has hailed the potential of teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as the team gears up for their Europa League quarter-final first leg against Lyon.
The 19-year-old’s knack for adapting to various roles has caught Amorim’s attention, with the manager likening him to seasoned star Casemiro, while also noting where the youngster still has room to grow.
“I think in England sometimes they played with three defenders, so he can play. We need to help him. Casemiro is playing better because we are understanding better the way Casemiro can play. I think we can do that with Kobbie. He is good on the ball and near the opponent’s box,” Amorim said.
The Portuguese tactician didn’t shy away from pinpointing areas for improvement, emphasizing Mainoo’s need to sharpen his speed and build-up play.
“When I see Kobbie, I see a lot of talent. But in the way I see it, I could be wrong. I see some things that Kobbie has to improve: 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,” Ruben shared.
Kobbie Mainoo has played three games in the Uefa Europa League this season.
