Overview

• Mainoo asked to leave on loan late in the summer window, with interest reported from Napoli and other European clubs, but United’s hierarchy refused the move.
• Amorim said talent alone is not enough for Mainoo, calling for more pace, better positional understanding, and the ability to vary tempo to fit his 3-4-3 system.
• The coach confirmed Mainoo is effectively competing with captain Bruno Fernandes for the No 8 role and expressed reservations about using him as a pure No 6.
• Mainoo has yet to start a Premier League game this season and was used off the bench at Burnley after limited league starts under Amorim last term.
• Amorim said he waited until after the window to explain his expectations, cited Vitinha’s rise as an example, and separately vowed to continue United’s long-running academy presence in matchday squads.