Graeme Souness advises Ruben Amorim as he identifies a Manchester United player who ‘lacks understanding of his role’
Liverpool icon Graeme Souness has stressed that Kobbie Mainoo must refine his defensive game to thrive under Ruben Amorim’s system at Manchester United.
Souness believes the young midfielder lacks the defensive awareness needed to excel in a deeper role, which could hinder his growth. Despite a stellar breakthrough season in 2023/24—where he played a key role in United’s FA Cup triumph and England’s Euro 2024 campaign—Mainoo has struggled to maintain that form this season.
United’s poor start to the campaign, which sees them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League, has only amplified concerns about Mainoo’s performances. Amorim has acknowledged the 19-year-old’s defensive struggles, prompting him to experiment by pushing the midfielder into a more advanced position. However, this tactical shift has yet to produce the desired results.
Mainoo’s outings in attacking roles, particularly in the loss to Crystal Palace and FA Cup victory over Leicester, have drawn criticism. His impact has been limited, and his performances have failed to justify the positional change.
In his column for the Daily Mail, Souness noted that Amorim’s concerns about Mainoo’s defensive game were justified. He compared the teenager to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, suggesting that Wharton demonstrates a better understanding of defensive responsibilities.
“Mainoo is a fantastic talent—he’s comfortable on the ball and moves gracefully across the pitch. However, he still lacks the defensive discipline needed for his role,” Souness wrote. “He tends to vacate midfield too easily and hasn’t fully grasped the importance of maintaining structure. That said, he’s only 19, and with the right coaching, he can develop into a more complete player.”
As Manchester United grapple with a turbulent season, refining Mainoo’s defensive instincts is just one of the many challenges Amorim faces. The Red Devils will look to get back on track when they take on Tottenham next Sunday in a crucial Premier League encounter.
