Manchester United’s Midfield Strategy Under Amorim: Kone and Mainoo’s Future

Under the leadership of head coach Ruben Amorim, Manchester United is determined to strengthen their midfield stability. The club is actively seeking an immediate-impact player during the winter transfer window, ideally someone who is already familiar with the Premier League. However, this ambition is complicated by inflated transfer fees and the reluctance of other clubs to release key players mid-season.

According to Italian journalist Francesca Teodori, multiple sources indicate that the French midfielder Kone is likely to leave AS Roma at the end of the season, with Manchester United being a potential destination. Speaking on AS Roma Live’s Twitch channel, Teodori stated, “It’s not news, but it’s a fairly credible rumour. I’ve been told by multiple sources that he’ll leave Roma in June and join Manchester United. I don’t know if this has anything to do with the Zirkzee deal, but what’s certain is that Kone is very keen on the destination.”

If United decides to proceed with this pursuit, they will be well aware of the challenges ahead. Last summer, AS Roma rejected an offer from Inter Milan believed to exceed €40 million (£35m/$47m), making it clear that Kone was not for sale. Selling him to a domestic rival would have posed significant political challenges, especially given his recent acquisition from Borussia Monchengladbach. A transfer abroad, however, may be easier to justify. Kone is under contract until 2029, leaving Roma with no immediate pressure to sell. Nevertheless, sustained interest from top European clubs could test Roma’s resolve, particularly if Kone himself pushes for a new challenge.

At his best, Kone is an assertive ball-carrier with the physical presence to control central areas. Despite not consistently reaching the heights of last season, his blend of power and progression remains impressive. Roma’s current preference for a 3-4-2-1 formation has afforded him the freedom to excel, a system that could align with Amorim’s approach at United. However, it is important to note that Kone is not a prolific scorer; he fits most naturally into a box-to-box role rather than as a pure destroyer or a traditional playmaker. In an era where midfielders are increasingly evaluated based on their goal contributions, his profile may invite mixed opinions, especially if Roma maintains a premium asking price.

The addition of any new midfielder would inevitably heighten competition within the squad, bringing attention to young academy talent Kobbie Mainoo. The 20-year-old has faced a tumultuous start under Amorim, with injuries and selection dilemmas limiting his playing time, leading to speculation about a potential January exit.

Despite the surrounding noise, Amorim has been clear about Mainoo’s significance. He stated in an interview with Sky Sports, “Kobbie Mainoo will have the opportunity; he has all the time. He has played in various positions. If you play with a three, he can play in the same role as Mason Mount. He is going to be the future of Manchester United; he just needs to wait for his chance. Everything can change in football in two days.”

Amorim has also acknowledged the logistical challenges associated with any potential departures. Allowing Mainoo to leave, whether on loan or permanently, would necessitate adequate replacement, which United may struggle to provide without prior reinforcements.

He remarked, “If we are not getting someone, it’s hard to let Mainoo leave. We are already short on depth. As a club with significant responsibility, we need to win every game with no excuses. Therefore, it’s going to be challenging to let players leave without suitable replacements.”

Looking ahead, whether or not Kone arrives at Old Trafford, it is clear that Amorim envisions a deeper, more versatile midfield capable of executing a high-intensity style across multiple competitions. For Mainoo, this means competition is on the horizon, but not necessarily at the expense of his future.