[Betson]

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was very complementary about him last night,Hasselbank was part of Southgates England backroom team for the last Euro's and said him and Steve Holland would look at each other whenever Kobbie was on the ball during training drills Holland was running and marvel at how good he was on the ball.

Hasselbaink thinks he complements Bruno very well in role Bruno is playing now.

 

[Lash]

Thanks for not getting the point mate.

Most criticism about Mainoo was his lack of physical attributes, people saying he can’t cover ground, is too slow etc.

My point is there are some players that look like they’re unathletic because of their running technique, which makes them look slow. And let’s be honest, most people watching a game on TV only see a fraction of the pitch, so when you think a player is slow, you also assume he lacks other physical attributes to cover ground.

In simpler terms, if you look slow, people think you don’t run.

None of what you've said has any bearing on the criticism you're talking about? He can't cover large spaces or get up and down the pitch regularly, because he's not that quick. That's not the same as saying he doesn't run.

Being more compact has helped him in two ways. 1) it mitigates the issue of speed and covering big spaces 2) highlights his strengths of moving in tight spaces and dribbling past people, because the game is more compact.

He is relatively slow, he doesn't just look slow, unfortunately. We're no longer asking him to be something he's not and letting him do what he's good at.

 

[Zed is not dead]

None of what you've said has any bearing on the criticism you're talking about? He can't cover large spaces or get up and down the pitch regularly, because he's not that quick. That's not the same as saying he doesn't run.

Being more compact has helped him in two ways. 1) it mitigates the issue of speed and covering big spaces 2) highlights his strengths of moving in tight spaces and dribbling past people, because the game is more compact.

He is relatively slow, he doesn't just look slow, unfortunately. We're no longer asking him to be something he's not and letting him do what he's good at.

Yet he covered the most ground of any players in the last two games, quite a feat

 

[pacifictheme]

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was very complementary about him last night,Hasselbank was part of Southgates England backroom team for the last Euro's and said him and Steve Holland would look at each other whenever Kobbie was on the ball during training drills Holland was running and marvel at how good he was on the ball.

Hasselbaink thinks he complements Bruno very well in role Bruno is playing now.

A big issue we have had at times since Bruno joined is not having another midfield player bruno can play off. We had it a bit with pogba and Mata but they were often competing for the same position. I feel like Mainoo is the guy who can do that job well.

 

[Lash]

Yet he covered the most ground of any players in the last two games, quite a feat

Of course, that's nothing to do with the criticism though. Covering ground doesn't mean kms ran, it means covering the spaces defensively - well that's certainly what I mean when I say it anyway.

 

[Rolaholic]

So tricky in tight spaces

 

[witchtrials]

So tricky in tight spaces

Looks like he needs a loan to Burnley

 

[romufc]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

 

[Rolaholic]

 

[Berggy20913]

Football professionals see it, but not good enough according to some in here who apparently know better.

I'll debate what he needs to do to improve and what his best position and role are, but I will not debate his quality. If you can't see what he can do and what he contributes, it's 2026 and there are lots of ways to learn. I believe you can do it!

 

[Lash]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

I think we need to see it all the way up to the squad announcement, but I don't see why not. He's a different profile to anything in the england set up, I think you could easily argue him over one of the many 10s we have.

 

[Fahad Jawaid]

Well we were told he can not play CM, he is defensively not solid enough or does not have passing range etc. All bullshit which was lapped up by fans. He is essential in this team, not only does he allow Bruno to play in AM position, which is where he does his most damage, plus with Bruno and Casemiro's tendency to play quick and direct, Mainoo complements them perfectly by keeping the ball and ticking over possession, its also great that he is very good in tight spaces and allows us to move up the field from the middle. The third goal was due to his nutmeg, you put Ugarte in that place, the 3rd goal never happens. So happy for him and glad that the clown of a manager is sacked, only regret is he kind of put the handbrake on this squad and because of him we have gone out of cups and let Spurs win the Europa League imagine.

 

[RedEarth]

Of course, that's nothing to do with the criticism though. Covering ground doesn't mean kms ran, it means covering the spaces defensively - well that's certainly what I mean when I say it anyway.

Right, well you're gonna have to explain what it is you mean in a much better way than that, because nothing you have said makes any sense so far.

A player runs more than any other, two games running, the one that people claimed didn't have it physically to cope... He's helped us dominate the two best teams in the league, especially in centre-mid, something that we haven't done in more then a decade... and you're talking about him not covering ground?

Meanwhile Phil Jones nails it for us all. Even those of us/you who don't yet realise what a gem we have in Kobbie.

 

[Ali Dia]

I love Mainoo. He's always looked very special from the youth teams up. He's easily the most talented midfielder to come through club since Pogba. Obviously he wasn't showing the last manager what he wanted and didn't look good in his cameos but it's always been obvious hes potentially a top player and we should have been developing him more.

I've actually have a feeling Ugarte will actually do alright under Carrick if he gets a start. He is too limited on the ball but I don't think anyone was playing with confidence at all. I'm giving everyone a fresh start till the end of the season. I like Ugarte, at some point I thought he was going to turn into a dominant player when it came to pressing once he got settled. As much as I'd like to see him under a better manager it is a crying shame we let Neves go to PSG and pay them for it, when he was who we should have snapped up in the first place. Ineos need to be much sharper than that. One was clearly superior to the other on the ball.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I love Mainoo. He's always looked very special from the youth teams up. He's easily the most talented midfielder to come through club since Pogba. Obviously he wasn't showing the last manager what he wanted and didn't look good in his cameos but it's always been obvious hes potentially a top player and we should have been developing him more.

I've actually have a feeling Ugarte will actually do alright under Carrick if he gets a start. He is too limited on the ball but I don't think anyone was playing with confidence at all. I'm giving everyone a fresh start till the end of the season. I like Ugarte, at some point I thought he was going to turn into a dominant player when it came to pressing once he got settled. As much as I'd like to see him under a better manager it is a crying shame we let Neves go to PSG and pay them for it, when he was who we should have snapped up in the first place. Ineos need to be much sharper than that. One was clearly superior to the other on the ball.

We should get rid of Ugarte. He is painfully bad on the ball. We we’re 6th under Amorim so it isn’t an excuse.

 

[kouroux]

I'm just happy he's being given a chance to play. What Amorim did to him was criminal

 

[shabadu84]

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was very complementary about him last night,Hasselbank was part of Southgates England backroom team for the last Euro's and said him and Steve Holland would look at each other whenever Kobbie was on the ball during training drills Holland was running and marvel at how good he was on the ball.

Hasselbaink thinks he complements Bruno very well in role Bruno is playing now.

Agreed on the complement role he plays, which helps us get more from both Bruno and Casemiro in the areas they're the best at. He doesn't need to be an warrior defensive midfielder/incredibly creative player because we already have those roles filled

Replacing Casemiro with the right player is going to be a defining decision

 

[Lash]

I love Mainoo. He's always looked very special from the youth teams up. He's easily the most talented midfielder to come through club since Pogba. Obviously he wasn't showing the last manager what he wanted and didn't look good in his cameos but it's always been obvious hes potentially a top player and we should have been developing him more.

I've actually have a feeling Ugarte will actually do alright under Carrick if he gets a start. He is too limited on the ball but I don't think anyone was playing with confidence at all. I'm giving everyone a fresh start till the end of the season. I like Ugarte, at some point I thought he was going to turn into a dominant player when it came to pressing once he got settled. As much as I'd like to see him under a better manager it is a crying shame we let Neves go to PSG and pay them for it, when he was who we should have snapped up in the first place. Ineos need to be much sharper than that. One was clearly superior to the other on the ball.

I don't think Ugarte works at all with Mainoo. Look at our average positions here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/reddevils/s/RsWdQVLTQr

I would not feel at all confident in Ugarte where Casemiro is on this position map, on the ball or or off it. I actually think he'd be better in the Rice role, with a Zubimendi next to him. Someone sound positionally and in possession. Wharton would be a very good partner for him. Neves was my absolute dream signing, he has it all. Alas, we need to find someone who does a great deal on and off the ball to replace Casemiro. It's going to be tough.

 

[McLvnsMuse]

The real crime is destroying KM’s confidence & signing a midfielder so technically inferior to him AND Casa.

Did no one on the scouting team watch a 90 minute game from Ugarte? Or do they just use Fbref filters on arbitrary out of context stats?

 

[hellhunter]

The real crime is destroying KM’s confidence & signing a midfielder so technically inferior to him AND Casa.

Did no one on the scouting team watch a 90 minute game from Ugarte? Or do they just use Fbref filters on arbitrary out of context stats?

@KM seems fine to me

 

[saivet]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

Tuchel didn't really have a choice to make with him as he was hardly playing. It's virtually impossible for him to break into the starting line up now ahead of Anderson and Rice but he can definitely be a back up in the squad. He's competing with the likes Henderson, Jones, Wharton and Jones, so I think he makes the squad if he's playing and doing well.

Similar for Maguire, I don't think he starts ahead of Konsa and Guehi but he can definitely make the squad ahead of someone like Chalobah or Burn and I think Tuchel will probably like his character, similar to how he seems to like Henderson's character.

 

[Oo0AahCantona]

If he continues to play he’s on the plane and should be third choice behind rice and Anderson.

 

[romufc]

Tuchel didn't really have a choice to make with him as he was hardly playing. It's virtually impossible for him to break into the starting line up now ahead of Anderson and Rice but he can definitely be a back up in the squad. He's competing with the likes Henderson, Jones, Wharton and Jones, so I think he makes the squad if he's playing and doing well.

Similar for Maguire, I don't think he starts ahead of Konsa and Guehi but he can definitely make the squad ahead of someone like Chalobah or Burn and I think Tuchel will probably like his character, similar to how he seems to like Henderson's character.

That's my question... will they do enough to get in the squad.. Tuchel has probably already got a number of his squad decided already.

By just playing, doesn't mean they should get picked, for instance someone like Gordon, who has been in poor form all season.

 

[Adisa]

Amorim is a criminal. We were going to sell him for peanuts.

 

[Xeque_279]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

I think he has to, such a different profile to the other CMs in the squad.

Also don't forget Shaw!

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

Think it might be too late for Mainoo.

Maguire is more of a known entity. Although he seems to have more on from him.

Tuchal seems very loyal to the players in the squad. So probably only coming in as a result of injuries.

 

[saivet]

That's my question... will they do enough to get in the squad.. Tuchel has probably already got a number of his squad decided already.

By just playing, doesn't mean they should get picked, for instance someone like Gordon, who has been in poor form all season.

I think both of them will. If they both play at a 7/10 for the remainder of the season and remain fit, I think they are better than the other back up options (assuming they don't have outstanding ends to their seasons).

 

[saivet]

Think it might be too late for Mainoo.

Maguire is more of a known entity. Although he seems to have more on from him.

Tuchal seems very loyal to the players in the squad. So probably only coming in as a result of injuries.

The only three midfielders Tuchel seems to be loyal to are Anderson, Rice and possibly Henderson. He's picked Jones, Loftus-Cheek in previous squads and I'm not sure he's completely sold on Wharton.

 

[M Bison]

Amorim is a criminal. We were going to sell him for peanuts.

Agreed, and he'd also convinced large parts of the fanbase that he wasnt up to it, couldnt play in a midfield 2, and doesnt have the athleticism/discipline to play deeper.

 

[SonOfFergie]

Football professionals see it, but not good enough according to some in here who apparently know better.

I'll debate what he needs to do to improve and what his best position and role are, but I will not debate his quality. If you can't see what he can do and what he contributes, it's 2026 and there are lots of ways to learn. I believe you can do it!

I'm as happy as a United fan can be about last two results but let's keep it a game at the time and draw conclusions after more games. Let's see how we will do against a low block teams and against uninspiring opponents. In recent years we didn't have a problem raising a performance for big teams. It was the performances against lesser teams that killed us. Kobie and Casemiro can get very exposed against teams looking to hit us on the counter. Let's see how it goes.

 

[Rolaholic]

 

[matherto]

If he continues his form.. does Tuchel change his mind and include him in the squad to the WC?

Considering how well Maguire, Mainoo have been in last 2 games, will be a big call to leave them out.

It’s two games…

 

[Brazilian_Ronaldo_9]

In what context did he say this?

Mainoo in the right system does play a part in the jigsaw with his short passing. In the wrong system, he fails to adjust.

In the other hand, no Bruno, no creativity. Hoping Carrick can get the other players to step up in his system.

 

[Rolaholic]

In what context did he say this?

Mainoo in the right system does play a part in the jigsaw with his short passing. In the wrong system, he fails to adjust.

In the other hand, no Bruno, no creativity. Hoping Carrick can get the other players to step up in his system.

 

[Rolaholic]

 

[lex talionis]

I hate to state the obvious, but what an effing moron Amorim was in banishing Mainoo from the starting XI. Mainoo is not flawless, but he was brilliant before Amorim and has been brilliant after Amorim. I don’t think I need to need to expand on the point here, but I do want to tip my hat to Kobbie Mainoo for having endured the shitbag treatment by Mainoo while we continued to drop points after points in the pointless quest for some Platonic ideal of the 343 tactics.

 

[caisenma]

I hate to state the obvious, but what an effing moron Amorim was in banishing Mainoo from the starting XI. Mainoo is not flawless, but he was brilliant before Amorim and has been brilliant after Amorim. I don’t think I need to need to expand on the point here, but I do want to tip my hat to Kobbie Mainoo for having endured the shitbag treatment by Mainoo while we continued to drop points after points in the pointless quest for some Platonic ideal of the 343 tactics.

Nah, it’s good to overstate the obvious in light of Amorim’s putrid treatment of Mainoo. Couldn’t agree more.

If Mainoo played for Brighton we’d be talking about him being a summer target north of £70m

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Nah, it’s good to overstate the obvious in light of Amorim’s putrid treatment of Mainoo. Couldn’t agree more.

If Mainoo played for Brighton we’d be talking about him being a summer target north of £70m

The lad had played in an international final at 18, Brighton would be asking for £100m. Far more potential than Beleba.

 

[MattofManchester]

Not the best player on the pitch, but my favourite player today.

Added so much calm and composure on the ball. Didn't always come off but he was trying to be more expressive with his passing today. Really happy to see him back in the team.

 

[Pronewbie]

Tracked back with pace today. Never saw this under Amorim.