Following Sunday’s derby day demolition to Manchester City, Ruben Amorim will have to dust himself and his team down ahead of their Premier League clash against Chelsea. The derby served as a stark reminder of the struggles Manchester United continue to face under Amorim, some self-inflicted, others down to circumstance.
We caught up with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker, who shared his thoughts on the club’s summer signings as well as the future of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo who has struggled to maintain a consistent run in the team since Amorim’s arrival.
Mainoo’s Future Remains In Question
It could be argued that Kobbie Mainoo is the best academy talent to emerge at Old Trafford in many a year. That was the level of esteem surrounding the midfielder only two seasons ago during his breakthrough campaign, which included a goal in United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, as well as a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad under Gareth Southgate.
Since then, however, Mainoo’s trajectory has stalled. Injuries have disrupted his progress, while Amorim has consistently overlooked him in favour of others. Parker, though, has nothing but praise for how the youngster has handled himself.
“I like Kobbie Mainoo as a player. What he’s done to get to where he is in terms of winning the FA Cup and actually helping United to win the FA Cup alongside playing at the Euros and playing as much as he did was really impressive. It was unexpected.”
“I like the fact Mainoo hasn’t been negative about his situation. He hasn’t said anything. Nothing negative has come out and given the current climate of players downing tools, he’s saying he needs to play football. There’s a lot of players comfortable being Manchester United players without going out to prove themselves. I feel sorry for him.”
Reports have long suggested that Mainoo was eager to leave for more game time, with a loan move blocked by United. Parker believes that a temporary switch abroad might have been the best outcome.
“I would have liked to have seen Mainoo go out on loan in Europe to a big club. He would benefit from playing a different kind of game. The game in Italy would suit him. The Premier League is so back and forth and United are trying to find their feet.”
Is It Time For United To Move On From Bruno Fernandes?
Amorim has frequently partnered Bruno Fernandes with either Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte in midfield, leaving Mainoo sidelined. The manager has cited concerns over the 20-year-old’s physicality in a two-man midfield. For Parker, however, Fernandes is the bigger problem.
“I think Bruno in this team is a square peg trying to get into a round hole. It’s a big problem. The manager is treating Bruno like a man in a cap who will save Manchester United but is it to the detriment of United that Bruno is playing? Can United get to where they need to be with Bruno? My answer is no. Mainoo is the future.”
Parker also names Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as the type of partner who would allow Mainoo to flourish.
“United need legs in the midfield. I would like Kobbie with Carlos Baleba. Two good footballers. One who can get up and down but has control and presence with the ball at his feet. He glides and it’s great to watch him. He’s a really good player. He’s clever, he’s got pace and his composure is great. United should have gone and got Baleba.”
Parker Approves United’s Summer Signings
United were far from quiet in the summer transfer market, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Parker is largely impressed with the business, though questions linger.
“Cunha and Mbeumo have started brightly. United had no pace and energy before and those signings have lifted people at United. It’s a shame Cunha has suffered a hamstring injury. Mbeumo hasn’t quite got going compared to where he was at Brentford but it’s a completely different way of playing. He’ll grow into it because he’s got to United the hard way. He must be like a god back in Cameroon.”
“Sesko hasn’t been given a run yet which raises the question who bought him? Whose idea was it to buy him? Why not give him a chance to blend in? Offensively United have made progress without a doubt.”
Mount’s Role Still Unclear
One of the few constants in Amorim’s early-season selections has been Mason Mount, though the midfielder’s latest injury has raised further doubts about his role.
“In the game against Arsenal, he played alright. He was back and forth. He has energy and legs and if you can do that in this United team you will stand out. It’s shocking that players that run and work hard is something we praise nowadays.”
“Mount shouldn’t be starting at this time in my opinion. He should be someone that comes in for certain games but they should move on from him.”
