It was in Chicago that Amorim first said Mainoo would be in competition with Fernandes this season.
Although he was also keen to stress both men could play in different positions, Amorim clearly feels the pair are best suited to the advanced midfield role in his system, which for Mainoo is a clear problem.
How realistic is it that he can oust the captain from the United side, at least in the short-term?
In truth, Mainoo is a victim of his own success.
The Stockport-born player emerged so quickly and came into a team struggling so often, he was almost a totem. Yet the fabulous end to the 2023-24 campaign masked positional deficiencies in Mainoo’s game that were apparent as United’s midfield was routinely overrun. At the Euros, he had Declan Rice covering him.
As last season began Mainoo’s confidence and form dipped, and he was injured when Erik ten Hag was sacked and Amorim took his place.
Mainoo was prominent in Amorim’s starting line-ups from December onwards, but that meant he was involved in a string of damaging defeats. He was injured again in February and, by the time he returned, Amorim was targeting the Europa League – meaning his only starts to the end of the season were in the Premier League. Three of those games were lost, the other, at Bournemouth, was a draw.
It was against that backdrop Amorim made his summer call on Mainoo.
He feels the competition for places will help his side and that the midfielder, who he says boasts quick feet, an excellent passing range and invaluable speed in tight spaces, will benefit.
Evidently, Mainoo feels the evidence of the opening two Premier League games only points to extended spells on the sidelines, frustration and stunted progress.
