Manchester United are looking to remodel their squad this summer, looking to shape the squad more in line with Ruben Amorim’s style.
The Portuguese manager inherited a squad built for Erik ten Hag, with £600 million being spent on his team in two and a half, however having very little to show for it.
As such, Amorim was tasked with getting the United squad to adapt to his way of playing.
Whilst players like Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have thrived in their usual centre-back roles, however forming a back three instead of a back four, other stars have had to adapt their roles significantly.
The biggest change under Amorim has been with the wings, using dynamic wing-backs instead of wide midfielders and full-backs.
Amad Diallo, in particular, has thrived in this new role, however with damage done to the ligament in his ankle, needing surgery, the Ivory Coast international is set to miss the rest of the season.
However, one United star Amorim is struggling to find a place for is Kobbie Mainoo.
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Kobbie Mainoo’s best fit under Ruben Amorim
Whilst Mainoo has previously operated as a more defensive central midfielder, with Manuel Ugarte being signed to partner him, Amorim has other ideas.
The former Sporting Lisbon boss has trialled the youngster in more attacking roles, with really positive results.
Back in January, Mainoo was played in an attacking midfield role, sitting just behind the striker in Manchester United’s 2-0 Europa League win over FCSB.
Not only did the England international play well, but he contributed to both goals, grabbing one himself and setting up Diogo Dalot.
At the start of February, Amorim even fielded Mainoo as a striker, ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in United’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace, and then on the left wing against Leicester in United’s FA Cup fourth round victory.
However, since then Mainoo has sustained a muscular injury ruling him out until the end of the international break at the end of March.
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Manchester United stall contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo
Whilst Mainoo’s versatility is a key strength for the star and for Amorim wanting to retain him in the squad, United have considered selling the Golden Boy 2024 nominee over recent months.
With the sheer financial pressures United are facing, and Mainoo representing pure profit having come through the United academy, a well pitched sale offer could be an offer United can’t afford to refuse.
Despite this pressure, United have been keen on keeping Mainoo in their ranks, looking at negotiating a new contract with the youngster.
Unfortunately, United are willing to agree to the terms Mainoo’s representatives are wanting, with the youngster’s agent wanting £200,000 per week for his client.
Now, GiveMeSport has now reported that The Red Devils are putting of any further contract talk until after Mainoo returns from injury.
The Premier League side are in no rush, with Mainoo’s contract running until 2027 anyway.
However, United are keen to get a deal agreed by the summer, to put off teams like Chelsea who came knocking in January.
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