{"id":579187,"date":"2026-02-10T06:08:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T06:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/579187\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T06:08:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T06:08:17","slug":"kobbie-mainoo-ranked-number-one-in-the-premier-league-in-key-area-fulfilling-ruben-amorims-totally-misguided-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/579187\/","title":{"rendered":"Kobbie Mainoo ranked number one in the Premier League in key area, fulfilling Ruben Amorim’s totally misguided hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kobbie Mainoo\u2019s resurgence was highlighted with another big performance in Manchester United\u2019s win over Tottenham.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are many factors behind Manchester United\u2019s return to form, and one of the most notables ones is Kobbie Mainoo<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"KobbiePhoto by Robbie Jay Barratt \u2013 AMA\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

Mainoo did not start a single Premier League game this season under Ruben Amorim<\/a>, and since his recall, United have won four all four matches.<\/p>\n

Impressively, Mainoo has provided two assists in the last four games, showing his ability to impact games in key areas.<\/p>\n

Mainoo was praised for producing a \u2018masterclass\u2019<\/a> with his short passing in the 2-0 win over Tottenham at Old Trafford.<\/p>\n

Is Ruben Amorim not playing Kobbie Mainoo the worst decision you can remember from a recent Man Utd manager? <\/p>\n

\"Seedorf\/Mainoo\"Getty Images Kobbie Mainoo leads the league, one year after strange experiment<\/p>\n

Kobbie Mainoo\u2019s impressive performance<\/a> for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur saw him lead the Premier League in a key area.<\/p>\n

Mainoo completed 33 passes in the final third, from 35 attempts. Squawka<\/a> report that this was the highest of any Premier League player at the weekend.<\/p>\n

Interestingly this came 12 months after Ruben Amorim\u2019s strangest experiment of all.<\/p>\n

In early February 2025, Mainoo was selected to play as a striker for Manchester United against Crystal Palace.<\/p>\n

Amorim\u2019s selection was a sign of his exasperation with Rasmus Hojlund, who dropped to the bench with Mainoo picked as a \u2018false nine\u2019.<\/p>\n

It was a disaster, with United losing the game 2-0 at home<\/a>, and Mainoo looked lost in an unfamiliar role.<\/p>\n

Speaking ahead of the game, Amorim explained that Mainoo\u2019s final third passing was behind his decision.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like him [Mainoo] with the ball. Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one against one and he is creative. We need creativity in the last third.\u201d<\/p>\n

It demonstrated that while Amorim in this case correctly identified one of Mainoo\u2019s strengths, he had no idea how to use him properly.<\/p>\n

In the end he just gave up, choosing to barely select him at all.<\/p>\n

Prove us wrong\u2026 Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are the best midfield trio in the Premier League <\/p>\n

There is not another trio we would swap them for!<\/p>\n

\"\"Getty Images Kobbie Mainoo\u2019s natural talent<\/p>\n

Kobbie Mainoo has helped knit Manchester United\u2019s midfield together in recent weeks, establishing a strong partnership with Casemiro<\/a>.<\/p>\n

He is working hard off the ball and showing confidence in possession.<\/p>\n

Speaking to Rio Ferdinand Presents, former Premier League footballer Ashley Williams backed Mainoo\u2019s ability to do the talking.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat kid finds a solution more often than not in possession. He\u2019s a good player\u2026 he will figure it out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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