Manchester United’s struggles this season have exposed weaknesses all over the pitch, but perhaps none more damaging than the lack of a natural defensive midfielder. For Ruben Amorim, who has been under mounting pressure after a string of disappointing results, the problem goes beyond tactics. Without the right personnel in midfield, even the most well-designed system risks collapsing.
At the heart of this issue lies Kobbie Mainoo, one of the most promising young talents to emerge from United’s academy in recent years. Mainoo has the technical ability, composure, and vision to become a cornerstone of United’s midfield for the next decade. But right now, he is being asked to shoulder responsibilities that do not suit his profile — and it risks stunting his development.
Mainoo’s Profile: Playmaker, Not Destroyer
Mainoo excels in possession. He is calm under pressure, capable of progressing the ball through lines, and confident enough to dictate tempo against high-level opposition. His range of passing and ability to carry the ball through midfield mark him out as a modern central midfielder — someone who can build play and break presses.
What he is not, however, is a defensive enforcer. Expecting an 18-year-old to patrol the midfield single-handedly, break up attacks, and protect an often vulnerable back line is unrealistic. Yet in United’s current set-up, Mainoo is frequently thrust into that role out of necessity, leaving him exposed and preventing him from showcasing his true strengths.
Why Bruno Needs Protection Too
Mainoo isn’t the only one hampered by the lack of a defensive shield. Bruno Fernandes, United’s captain and chief creator, thrives when he has freedom to roam between the lines, press high, and focus on producing chances. But when the midfield lacks balance, Fernandes often drops deeper than he should, attempting to compensate defensively. This not only reduces his influence in the final third but also highlights the structural flaw in United’s approach.
With an elite holding midfielder behind them, both Mainoo and Fernandes would have the platform to express themselves. Mainoo could focus on dictating the rhythm of play, while Fernandes could concentrate on creating and finishing chances. Together, they could form a dynamic midfield partnership — but only if properly supported.
Lessons From Other Teams
United’s predicament is not unique. Across Europe, the importance of a specialist defensive midfielder has been proven time and again.
- Real Madrid: Casemiro’s presence allowed Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos to thrive. Without his defensive security, Madrid’s midfield balance would have been unsustainable.
- Manchester City: Rodri has become the lynchpin of Pep Guardiola’s side. His positioning and ball retention give Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva the freedom to push forward without leaving the team exposed.
- Liverpool: At their peak under Jürgen Klopp, Fabinho was essential. His reading of the game and ability to win duels enabled the likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum to press and support the attack.
The lesson is clear: successful teams with attacking midfielders of real quality almost always rely on a defensive anchor. United, in contrast, are trying to compete at the top level without one.
Why Amorim Alone Can’t Fix It
Some argue that sacking Ruben Amorim would solve United’s problems. But history suggests otherwise. José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erik ten Hag — all faced similar issues with midfield balance. None were able to fully overcome them, in part because the squad was not constructed to provide stability in central areas.
Even if Amorim were replaced tomorrow, the same structural weakness would remain. Without a true defensive midfielder, any manager would face the same dilemma: ask creative players to defend more, or leave the back line exposed. Both options are compromises, and neither is sustainable at the elite level.
This is why Rooney’s recent remarks — blaming players as much as the manager — resonate so strongly. The problem is not just coaching; it is recruitment.
Who Could United Target?
If United are serious about solving this problem, they must act decisively in the transfer market. Several profiles stand out:
- João Palhinha (Fulham/Bayern links): One of the Premier League’s best ball-winners, with exceptional tackling numbers and physicality.
- Amadou Onana (Everton): Strong, athletic, and still young, Onana has the potential to grow into a dominant defensive midfielder at a higher level.
- Manuel Ugarte (PSG): Energetic, combative, and intelligent in his positioning, he offers a blend of ball-winning and distribution.
- Declan Rice-type profile: Though unattainable now, Rice’s move to Arsenal shows how transformative the right signing can be for midfield balance.
The key is not just signing a name, but ensuring the player is elite in positional discipline, defensive duels, and tactical awareness — qualities United have lacked for years.
The Cost of Inaction
Failing to address this position would carry consequences far beyond Mainoo’s development. Without a defensive midfielder:
- United’s defence will continue to be exposed, particularly in transition.
- Creative players will be dragged deeper, reducing attacking output.
- Young players like Mainoo risk being scapegoated for systemic issues.
- Managerial turnover will continue, with each new coach inheriting the same structural flaw.
In short, until United fix the midfield balance, progress will remain impossible.
Mainoo’s Future Depends on It
For Kobbie Mainoo, this decision could define his trajectory. Surrounded by the right players, he could grow into one of Europe’s finest midfielders — a conductor capable of controlling matches at the highest level. But without support, he risks being overburdened, misused, and judged unfairly for performances that reflect systemic flaws rather than individual shortcomings.
United cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. Too many promising players have faltered at Old Trafford because they were asked to fill roles that did not suit them. Mainoo deserves better.
Conclusion: A Non-Negotiable Investment
Recruiting an elite defensive midfielder is no longer a luxury for Manchester United — it is a necessity. Without one, the club will continue to drift, regardless of who occupies the manager’s seat. With one, the pathway opens for Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes to thrive, giving United the balance they so desperately need.
If the club is serious about building a future around its brightest academy talent, the solution is clear. Unlocking Kobbie Mainoo’s full potential requires protection. Without it, every system — and every manager — is destined to fail.
