BREAKING NEWS: “I’ve decided to change his position since he wants more game time. Guardiola did the same with Núñez and it’s working for them now,” Rúben Amorim confirms major positional change for unhappy Manchester United star.

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has confirmed a bold and potentially season-defining decision involving one of the club’s brightest academy graduates. After weeks of speculation surrounding Kobbie Mainoo’s frustration over limited minutes, Amorim has now revealed that he will change the midfielder’s position in an attempt to unlock more game time and revive his influence within the squad.

Speaking to the media, Amorim drew direct inspiration from Pep Guardiola’s positional reinvention of Darwin Núñez, an experiment that has since paid dividends.

“I’ve decided to change his position since he wants more game time,” Amorim stated. “Guardiola did the same with Núñez, and it’s working for them now.”

The statement has immediately sparked intense debate among fans, pundits, and tactical analysts, with many seeing this as a pivotal moment in Mainoo’s young career.

Why Mainoo’s situation reached a breaking point

Kobbie Mainoo’s rise at Manchester United was once considered inevitable. Calm on the ball, tactically intelligent, and mature beyond his years, he quickly earned trust at senior level. However, under Amorim’s evolving system, Mainoo has found himself increasingly marginalized, with competition in midfield limiting his opportunities.

Sources close to the dressing room indicate that Mainoo privately expressed frustration over his role, not in a confrontational manner, but with clear concern about his development and trajectory.

For a player who turned down interest from Chelsea to fight for his place at Old Trafford, the lack of consistent minutes has been particularly difficult.

The new position: What Amorim is planning

While Amorim did not publicly specify Mainoo’s exact new role, multiple insiders suggest the club is experimenting with him in a more advanced hybrid role, somewhere between:

• an attacking central midfielder
• a right-sided interior player
• and a roaming creator behind the striker

This shift would allow Mainoo to operate closer to goal, receive the ball between the lines, and influence games without being burdened by deep defensive responsibilities that currently limit his freedom.

Analysts believe this move could suit Mainoo’s strengths:

• quick decision-making
• press resistance
• spatial awareness
• and late runs into dangerous areas

Why Amorim referenced Guardiola and Núñez

Amorim’s comparison to Guardiola’s handling of Núñez is telling. Núñez was once criticized for inconsistency and positional confusion, but Guardiola’s decision to adapt his role — rather than discard the player — unlocked his physical and tactical strengths.

By referencing this, Amorim is signaling that he still believes in Mainoo’s potential, even if the original plan did not work.

This is not punishment.

This is adaptation.

Tactical implications for Manchester United

Changing Mainoo’s position could have far-reaching consequences for United’s structure.

1. Increased attacking fluidity

Mainoo’s technical quality allows him to operate in tight spaces, something United have struggled with against low blocks.

2. Squad balance

Moving Mainoo forward could ease congestion in central midfield while adding creativity higher up the pitch.

3. Pressing intensity

Mainoo’s intelligence and work rate make him effective in high-press situations, a key requirement in Amorim’s system.

This positional change could also reduce the physical load placed on Mainoo, allowing him to play with more freedom and confidence.

Fan reaction: Divided but hopeful

Manchester United fans are split over the decision.

Some believe Mainoo should be trusted in his natural midfield role and given patience. Others argue that modern football demands versatility and that this could be the move that saves his United career.

One thing is clear: fans want Mainoo playing, not sitting on the bench watching his development stall.

Mainoo’s mindset

Those close to the player insist that Mainoo remains fully committed to Manchester United. He sees this positional switch not as a demotion, but as an opportunity to prove his value.

The next few weeks will be crucial. If Mainoo adapts quickly and delivers performances in his new role, it could silence critics and reignite belief in his long-term future at the club.

A defining moment for Amorim

For Amorim, this decision is also a test. How he handles young talent will define his tenure at Old Trafford. Successfully reinventing Mainoo could strengthen his reputation as a progressive manager willing to evolve with his players.

Failing to do so, however, could intensify scrutiny over his man-management and tactical rigidity.

Conclusion

Kobbie Mainoo’s positional change marks a turning point — not just for the player, but for Manchester United’s broader project under Rúben Amorim.

Inspired by Guardiola’s bold decisions, Amorim has chosen adaptation over abandonment. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on execution, patience, and trust.

One thing is certain: Mainoo’s story at Manchester United is far from over. It is simply entering a new chapter.