Ruben Amorim and Kobbie Mainoo moment in Man United training speaks volumes amid Manuel Ugarte call

Manchester United fans will be delighted to have seen Kobbie Mainoo moving so freely in Ruben Amorim’s first training session.

The midfielder is technically still a doubt for Sunday’s visit to Ipswich Town but there are hopes he will have shaken off his thigh injury to take part. Mainoo was one of nine academy graduates to be handed their senior debut by Erik ten Hag during his tenure, and is perhaps the most successful.

Just 18 months after his first run-out against Charlton Athletic in the League Cup, he was starting the final of Euro 2024. The 19-year-old was no longer a United regular, but became a staple.

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It is unclear who Amorim will ultimately choose in his first-choice midfield, with just two places up for grabs in his 3-4-3 system, should he indeed adopt it at United as expected. Practically, it might be a case that there is only one space available given it would be a surprise to see captain Bruno Fernandes dropped or used on the flank.

An attacking midfielder, Fernandes will surely be partnered with a colleague who sits centrally while he moves forward up the pitch. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are both pivots while Mainoo can also operate in the role, even if it isn’t his best one.

With Casemiro out of the picture for Brazil, Amorim has had chance to work with him this international break. And with Mainoo still getting back up to full pace post-injury, he was left out of the England squad and has had the same benefit.

It means both have had crucial time with the new head coach and might be more likely to feature against