Former Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has urged Kobbie Mainoo to make a decisive call on his future, describing the young midfielder’s current situation under Rúben Amorim as “really cruel.”

Mainoo, 20, was one of United’s few bright sparks during last season’s transition, earning praise for his composure and maturity in midfield. But under Amorim’s new tactical system — built around structured pressing and double pivots — the England international has found minutes increasingly scarce.

“It’s a cruel position to be in,” Berbatov told Goal. “He’s clearly talented, but right now he’s caught between development and system. That can destroy confidence if it lasts too long.”

Mainoo’s Rising Star, Then Sudden Stall

Mainoo burst onto the Premier League scene in 2024, quickly becoming a fan favourite under Erik ten Hag. His ability to dictate tempo, shield the defence, and glide through midfield drew comparisons to Michael Carrick and Paul Pogba in his early years.

However, Amorim’s arrival this summer has reshaped United’s core identity. The Portuguese manager’s preference for high-pressing midfielders with vertical passing range has seen Mainoo often rotated or benched for Casemiro, Mason Mount, or Scott McTominay.

Amorim has defended his decisions, insisting Mainoo remains “part of the club’s long-term plan,” but Berbatov believes the young midfielder risks stagnation if the situation doesn’t change soon.

“Football doesn’t wait for anyone,” Berbatov said. “He’s not 16 anymore. At 20, he needs to play 30 or 40 games a season — not 10 cameos. If that means going on loan or leaving temporarily, then he should think about it.”

Amorim’s System and the Midfield Puzzle

United’s midfield remains one of the team’s most scrutinized areas. Amorim has alternated between a 3-4-3 and a 4-2-3-1, demanding intense off-ball movement and precise transitions through the channels.

Mainoo’s strengths — calm ball control, positional awareness, and composure — sometimes clash with the coach’s high-tempo style, which favours players like Mount and Bruno Fernandes for their forward aggression.

Yet analysts argue that Amorim’s challenge is to blend Mainoo’s technical intelligence with United’s evolving system.

“Amorim wants dynamism and structure,” said Rio Ferdinand on TNT Sports. “Mainoo offers control. You need both. But managers under pressure usually choose energy first.”

A Question of Development

Mainoo’s predicament reflects a familiar dilemma for academy talents at elite clubs — balancing loyalty with growth. United’s midfield depth means minutes will remain contested, especially with Amorim reportedly eyeing a January move for João Neves from Benfica, a player he coached in Lisbon.

“If Neves comes in, Mainoo falls further down the order,” Berbatov warned. “That’s when he has to think long-term. Sometimes a year away makes you twice the player.”

He cited examples like Jude Bellingham, who left Birmingham early, and James Garner, who rebuilt his form at Everton after leaving Old Trafford.

“These kids are not kids anymore. They need to make career choices, not sentimental ones.”

The Bigger Picture at Old Trafford

United’s season under Amorim has been turbulent — flashes of brilliance offset by inconsistency and defensive frailty. While fans appreciate the attacking intent, frustration is growing over squad rotation and the limited use of academy graduates.

Mainoo has started just five matches in all competitions this season, completing 90 minutes only once. Yet when deployed, his passing range and composure have stood out in contrast to the midfield chaos surrounding him.

“He’s United DNA through and through,” said former captain Gary Neville. “If they lose him, they’ll regret it the same way they did with Pogba the first time.”

What Comes Next

Mainoo’s contract runs until 2028, giving United leverage — but patience may run thin if game time doesn’t improve. Amorim faces a delicate balance: nurturing one of the club’s brightest academy products while trying to deliver results that meet the board’s expectations.

Berbatov’s advice, however, was pragmatic rather than sentimental.

“He’s got time, but not too much time. The worst thing for a player like Kobbie is sitting on the bench watching others play his role. He needs to play somewhere — anywhere.”

The Takeaway

Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United captures the growing tension between youth development and tactical evolution.

Under Amorim, every role is system-dependent — and Mainoo’s calm control doesn’t yet fit a structure built on chaos and speed.

For now, he remains a Red Devil. But as Berbatov warns, the longer he waits, the more “cruel” that loyalty might feel.

“United gave him his chance,” Berbatov said, “but it’s up to him to decide if that chance still exists.”