Manchester United’s midfield pivot is something that Ruben Amorim has seemingly found a formula for that he likes. The Portuguese manager has sparked much debate with his infamous 3-4-2-1, with the full-backs being one of the reasons for sparking such conversation.
However, the composition of his center was also interesting to see. This season, it appears the former Sporting boss has chosen captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as his ideal midfield duo.
This is a new role for Fernandes, who has played most of his career as a number ten.
As for Casemiro, he has done well this season. Yet against Crystal Palace this weekend he looked exposed at times.
Why Casemiro may struggle in pivot
Brazilian legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to Amorim’s system.
Not long ago Jamie Carragher told him to “leave football before football leaves you”. Today, he is a regular starter for United at almost 34 years old.
Indeed, Amorim has placed great trust in the former Real Madrid star this season. He played 12 Premier League games, missing one due to suspension.
Since mid-September, he has started every championship match for which he was available and even scored three times.
However, United’s number 18 may struggle in midfield.
Physically, Casemiro is a little late on the ball at times and can be exposed, often being left in the dust and opposition midfielders passing him.
Against the Eagles last Sunday, it was a problem in the first half for the Brazilian international with 82 caps. As Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to stop Palace dictating the game in the first half”.
The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada found it too easy and managed to get past him countless times, after appearing “haunted” against the Englishman, in particular.
This may be a problem that Amorim would like to nip in the bud before long. He could well make a personnel change within the pivot to have a real impact.
United’s ready-made alternative to Casemiro
There are options if Amorim wants to change things in midfield.
Mason Mount briefly played alongside Bruno Fernandes at Fulham earlier this season, and Manuel Ugarte is another player who could fit into the team.
Yet the obvious answer is Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim continues to ignore his obvious talent, despite being labeled a ‘future £100million-plus footballer’ by Alex Turk and starting in the Euro 2024 final just 18 months ago.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Stockport-born midfielder. He has only played nine times in the Premier League and is yet to start a single match.
He only played 171 minutes, an average of 20 per game he played.
However, let’s not forget the skills that Mainoo possesses. He is a master in small spaces, able to break the press with his ability to lift and move forward.
He is also intelligent off the ball and is a good duelist. All this was on display on his Premier League debut against Everton, where he had 61 touches and won five duels.
|
Mainoo vs Everton – PL debut |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistical |
Number |
|
Keys |
61 |
|
Success accuracy |
83% |
|
Completed passes |
38/46 |
|
Ground duels won |
3/5 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2/3 |
|
Ball recoveries |
3 |
|
Completed dribbles |
2/3 |
|
Sofascore statistics |
|
The skills Mainoo could bring to United’s center would surely only benefit Amorim’s side. He is physically better than Casemiro and is less likely to fall behind.
On top of that, he brings different qualities on the ball that could add a new dynamic to the midfield.
Plus, he still has an eye for goal, like his fellow midfielder.
Mainoo has seven goals in a United shirt, with the biggest coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which proved to be a winner against Manchester City.
Mainoo must get his chance in United’s midfield soon enough. Their number 37 simply needs to play football every week, to continue on the path he was on just a year ago.
Remember, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.
With Casemiro’s occasional struggles out of possession, the starlet could be the Red Devils’ answer to their midfield woes.
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