Amorim says ‘future £100m’ star could fix Manchester United’s midfield by axing Casemiro

Manchester United’s midfield pivot appears to have found a formula that Ruben Amorim likes. The Portuguese manager’s infamous 3-4-2-1 has caused a lot of debate, and his wing-backs are one of those things.

But his pivot configuration was also interesting. This season, the former Sporting manager appears to have found the ideal midfield pairing in captain Bruno Fernandes and experienced Casemiro.

This is a new role for Fernandes, who has played as a number 10 for most of his career.

As for Casemiro, he has had good results this season. Still, he looked exposed at times against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

Why Casemiro can struggle with pivots

Brazilian legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to playing in Amorim’s system.

Not too long ago, he was told by Jamie Carragher to “quit football before football takes you away”. He is now almost 34 years old and a regular starter for United.

Indeed, Amorim has put a lot of faith in the former Real Madrid star this season. He has appeared in 12 games in the Premier League, one of which he missed due to suspension.

Since mid-September, he has started every game in the league where he has been able to play, and has also scored three goals.

But there are also struggles that United’s number 18 goes through in midfield.

Physically, Casemiro can be a bit behind the eight-ball and can be exposed, often being left in the dust and allowing opposing midfielders to run past him.

The 82-cap Brazil international faced a difficult first half against the Eagles last Sunday. As Goal journalist Callum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to stop Palace’s dominant play in the first half”.

The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamata looked particularly ‘possessed’ of their British opponents, yet were able to pass him by with much ease.

Perhaps this is an issue that Amorim hopes to nip in the bud soon. To have a real impact, personnel changes may occur.

United’s established replacement for Casemiro

Amorim has options if he wants to change things up in midfield.

Mason Mount played briefly alongside Bruno Fernandes away at Fulham earlier in the season, while Manuel Ugarte is also a player who could join the squad.

Still, the obvious answer is Koby Mainu. Amorim has been dubbed a “future £100m+ footballer” by Alex Turk and continues to ignore his obvious talent despite starting the Euro 2024 final just 18 months ago.

It’s been a tough season for the Stockport-born midfielder. He has only played nine games in the Premier League and has yet to start a game.

He played just 171 minutes, averaging 20 minutes per game.

But don’t forget about the skills that Mynu has. He is a master in tight spaces and his carry ability allows him to break through the press and move forward.

He’s smart off the ball and strong as a dueler. It was all on display in his Premier League debut against Everton, where he took 61 touches and won five duels.

The skills Mainu can bring to United’s axis will no doubt only benefit Amorim’s side. He is physically better than Casemiro and is unlikely to be overtaken.

In addition to that, he could bring different qualities to the ball and add new dynamics to the midfield.

Moreover, he still has the same eye for goal as his fellow midfielders.

Mainu has scored seven goals in a United shirt, with his most important goal coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Mainu must seize his opportunities in United’s midfield quickly. Their number 37 just has to play football every week to continue on the same path he was on just a year ago.

Remember, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.

Casemiro has struggled at times in possession, but the starlet could be the answer to the Red Devils’ midfield problems.