30 Mar 2024 12:23:47
Loads of talk recently surrounding Mainoo, especially about his best position, is he a No6 or No8? Where is he most effective etc?

I personally love him a bit deeper, the way he's able to take the ball off the back 4 and progress it forward through the lines is his strongest attribute in my opinion. The way he positions his body to receive the ball is fantastic and he has the strength and footwork to wriggle out of difficult situations. I really like him on the ball, in possession, dictating play.

As I watched him for England on Tuesday night, I thought he became particularly effective when Foden came more centrally and Mainoo was able to progress the ball vertically into the Foden and Bellingham on the half turn.

I just wonder if EtH see's the future of Utd's midfield as Mainoo, Mount and Bruno? Or if he would have at least liked to try this combination more often?

I think we all viewed the Mount signing with raised eyebrows and speculated where he'd fit in? Personally I think he was signed as an No8, comfortable on the ball, able to keep possession, good in tight areas, a progress and incisive passer, intelligent runner and also provides a goal threat. Defensively he's a hard worker and very good presser, for a side that wants to press the ball and defend on the front foot.

All three (Mainoo, Mount, Bruno) are mobile, hard working and effective pressers. We've seen EtH often deploy his midfielders man for man this season, especially in the oppositions first phase of play and the signing of Hoijland has also provided the team with another brilliant presser.

EtH has been unable to really execute this more aggressive pressing system largely due to injuries to Hoijlund, Mount, Martinez and Shaw all being injured for most of the season and certainly not all being available at the same time.

When everyone is fit does EtH see a team of Onana, Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Mount, Bruno, Garnacho, Rashford, Hoijlund. At least for some games and especially at home against some lower placed opposition where he can afford to be more aggressive and take more risk.

I could envisage this team aggressively pressing the ball and playing a much higher line. In possession, the likes of Martinez and Mainoo progressing the ball centrally into Mount and Bruno on the half turn, then looking for runs in behind by Rashford or Hoijlund or into Garnacho to run at defenders.

With Martinez and Mount returning watch this space.

1.) 30 Mar 2024
30 Mar 2024 14:00:51
I'd love Mount to work as a No8, but he's never excelled in that position in his career so I'd be surprised if ten Hag really did want him for that position.

Personally, I think Mainoo would be best in a double pivot with a player with equal defensive qualities.
I think because Kobbie and Martinez are each some way off 6ft, a big and physical partner for Kobbie might be the best option.
For me, only two players tick the box - Amadou Onana and Kephren Thuram.

2.) 30 Mar 2024
30 Mar 2024 14:36:03
Ork - I tend to agree, I also think we lack a ball winner in midfield, ideally I’d like someone with energy, mobility, physicality, a really good tackler but also someone who’s very comfortable on the ball to partner Mainoo in midfield.

Personally I’m not convinced about Mount and if he wasn’t bought as a No8 it was a strange decision to invest over £50m in another No10 especially considering Bruno is the captain and hardly misses a game. Is Mount a more expensive VdB. Good player but where does he really fit in?

I was just speculating where EtH might deploy Mount and the evolution of our midfield with the emergence of Mainoo?

Does anyone think Mainoo is EtH’s new FdJ and will look to use him in a similar way in Utd’s midfield?

3.) 30 Mar 2024
30 Mar 2024 14:55:20
Personally think a midfield 2 with and 10 in front is the way to go.
Not saying mainoo can't excel as a 6 but leaving him in there on his own would take aspects away from his game. A partner to play next to him is a must this summer.
As for Mount, I rate him as a player but do think it should be him or Bruno. Under ten hag I do feel Mount would fit in the 10 position more so than Bruno just because his ball retention and his ability to press better. Will never happen but just my opinion.