Ruben Amorim has some rotation decisions to make for Manchester United this week, with a rare mid-week game to play against West Ham United at Old Trafford.
With no European football and an early Carabao Cup knockout this season, the matches have been seriously limited for Manchester United, leading to a lack of rotation opportunities.
This has resulted in some players not getting enough playing time, and therefore, January exits have been heavily rumoured.
Ayden Heaven has barely played this season despite his undeniable quality, while Joshua Zikzee was unused until recently.
Kobbie Mainoo was in the same spot, but he might be set for his big chance.
Ruben Amorim’s insulting decision with Kobbie Mainoo vs Crystal Palace
This season, Mainoo has been increasingly frustrated at United, with the lack of game time being a real frustration for him.
Mainoo tried to leave United on loan in the summer, and he will probably be keen once again in January. His frustrations continued on Sunday at Selhurst Park.
Push comes to shove: Would you rather have Kobbie Mainoo stay at Man Utd or Ruben Amorim?
Amorim left Mainoo on the bench until the 89th minute against Palace in the 2-1 win, getting an insulting four-minute cameo, which is terrible treatment for a player of his quality.
Meanwhile, Casemiro played the full 90 minutes, which is a very rare occurrence, especially with a mid-week fixture to play and then another game on Monday night.
At 33, Casemiro cannot play three games in eight days anymore, and Amorim would be risking injury if he tried to play him in all three.
Therefore, Amorim’s insulting decision to leave Mainoo on the bench might actually have been calculated by the head coach.
Kobbie Mainoo might be set for his first Manchester United start of the league season
So, assuming that Amorim will decide to rest Casemiro for this clash on Thursday night, it seems fairly certain that Mainoo will come into the starting line-up to replace him.
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This is as the writing is on the wall for Manuel Ugarte’s United career, with Amorim clearly not wanting to use the Uruguayan, having been let down time after time.
Therefore, Mainoo could be about to finally get his opportunity to shine under Amorim, likely in a partnership with Bruno Fernandes. This partnership would mean United will need to have more of the ball and dominate without a proper defensive option.
Mainoo could easily shine for United here and earn himself a place in Amorim’s team going forward, which would prevent losing the 20-year-old on loan.
If he can’t get a start on Thursday, he probably should be asking to leave.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/1G6sJMb