Ruben Amorim has the opportunity to establish a Manchester United duo that Erik ten Hag experimented with just once against Ipswich Town. This tactical combination could unlock untapped potential, showcasing innovative strategies and delivering impressive results for the team in upcoming matches.

The sight of Kobbie Mainoo returning to training at Carrington earlier this week provided a much-needed boost for Manchester United fans, especially with Ruben Amorim set to take charge of his first game as head coach this weekend. For supporters eager to see the academy star in action once again, this development could not have come at a better time.

 

Mainoo, who has been sidelined for over a month due to injury, was last seen in action during United’s goalless draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on October 6. In his absence, United have played seven matches, and his potential availability for Sunday’s clash against Ipswich Town at Portman Road will undoubtedly be a welcome prospect for Amorim as he begins to mold his vision for the team.

 

The timing of Mainoo’s return is particularly poignant, as it coincides with the one-year anniversary of his full Premier League debut. On November 26, 2023, Mainoo delivered a standout performance in United’s commanding 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. Operating as a holding midfielder that afternoon, the teenager showcased maturity and composure beyond his years, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in United’s midfield.

 

Following his debut, Mainoo became an indispensable part of the squad, starting 23 of United’s final 25 Premier League matches last season. His rapid rise from a promising academy prospect to an essential first-team player underlined his talent and potential. While he initially excelled in a defensive role, his ability to advance the ball and contribute to attacking play soon became evident, marking him as a versatile and forward-thinking midfielder.

 

Mainoo’s progression was accompanied by changes in United’s midfield dynamics. Amid Casemiro’s struggles last season, the club identified the need for a top-tier defensive midfielder to complement Mainoo. After months of speculation, Manuel Ugarte arrived from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, hailed as one of the world’s best ball-winning midfielders. Sporting director Dan Ashworth described Ugarte as a “perfect fit” for United, praising his skill set and international experience.

 

Despite high expectations, Ugarte found limited opportunities under former manager Erik ten Hag, making just seven appearances and starting only four matches. Of these, he shared the midfield with Mainoo on just one occasion—a forgettable 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Mainoo’s early substitution in that match, compounded by Bruno Fernandes’ red card, made it difficult to assess the duo’s potential partnership.

 

Since then, significant changes have occurred at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s dismissal and Amorim’s appointment have reshaped the team’s trajectory. Mainoo has returned to training, while Ugarte has gained more consistent minutes and seems poised for a prominent role under Amorim, who previously coached the Uruguayan at Sporting Lisbon.

 

At just 23, Ugarte has already developed a strong rapport with Amorim, and his familiarity with the manager’s tactics makes him a cornerstone of the new system. Meanwhile, Mainoo’s imminent return offers Amorim the opportunity to pair the two midfielders, potentially relegating Casemiro to a secondary role. The prospect of Mainoo and Ugarte forming the heart of United’s midfield is an exciting one, offering a blend of defensive solidity, ball retention, and forward progression.

 

With Amorim expected to favor a 3-4-3 formation, Fernandes may move into a more advanced role, leaving Ugarte and Mainoo to anchor the midfield. If both players fulfill their potential, they could form a long-term partnership that balances experience with youthful energy, setting the stage for a new era at Manchester United. At 23 and 19, respectively, Ugarte and Mainoo represent the future of the club’s midfield, and their partnership could define the team’s success in the

years to come.