Ruben Amorim has said Manchester United must be cautious over Kobbi Mainu's fitness after the young talent returned to the squad for the first time in two months.
The 19-year-old local player has been out since picking up a muscle injury in training shortly after his last match against Leicester in the FA Cup on February 7.
Mainu trained with the United squad ahead of Thursday's Europa League quarter-final first leg in Lyon and was part of the 23-man squad that flew to France later in the day.
“We have to be careful with Kobbi at the moment,” said Amorim head coach. “He has had a few games already and we have to keep a close eye on his fitness.
“We are happy to have more options and a player like Kobby Mainou who has great qualities.
“He can play in different positions. He has played as a six, as an eight, as a ten, and we are very happy to have Kobby, but we have to be careful. We need Kobby to be fit and fresh.”
Maino has made 25 appearances for United this season and Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, believes the England international is capable of more.
Asked about the possibility of him starting as a central midfielder, the Portuguese replied: “Yes, he can play. I believe in England sometimes they play with three at the back. It was more or less the same position, so he can cope.”
“We have to support him and, like with Casemiro, who is playing better now because we have a better understanding of how he can play, I think we can do that with Kobbi because he has a lot of talent.
“He's really good on the ball but he also has great skills in the opposition penalty area so we'll try to take that into account and find the right space for a player like Cobby.”
When asked by Amorim that Mainu looks quite good, he replied: “Yes, but I think that could also be a bit of a problem.
“When I look at Kobby Maina, I see a lot of talent in him. However, the way I see it – and I could be wrong – I see some areas that he needs to improve.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
