Manchester United’s midfield pivot has been something that Ruben Amorim has seemingly found a formula he likes. The Portuguese manager has caused lots of debate with his infamous 3-4-2-1, with the wing-backs being one thing to spark such conversation.
However, the makeup of his pivot has been interesting to see, too. This season, it seems as though the former Sporting boss has landed on captain Bruno Fernandes and the experienced Casemiro as his ideal duo in midfield.
It is a new role for Fernandes, who has played most of his career as a number ten.
As for Casemiro, he has done well this season. Yet, against Crystal Palace at the weekend, he looked exposed at times.
Why Casemiro can struggle in the pivot
Brazil legend Casemiro has certainly adapted well to playing in Amorim’s system.
Not too long ago, he was told to “leave the football before the football leaves you” by Jamie Carragher. Now, he is a regular starter for United at almost 34 years of age.
Indeed, Amorim has put a lot of trust in the former Real Madrid star this season. He’s played in 12 Premier League games, missing one due to a suspension.
Since the middle of September, he’s started every game in the league he’s been available for, and has even scored three times.
However, there are struggles that the United number 18 can experience in midfield.
Physically, Casemiro is a little behind the eight ball at times and can get exposed, often being left in the dust and opposition midfielders coasting past him.
Coming up against the Eagles last Sunday, it was an issue in the first half for the 82-cap Brazil international. As Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly pointed out, he “struggled to prevent Palace dictating play in the first half.”
The energetic duo of Adam Wharton and Daichi Kamada found it all too easy and were able to breeze past him countless times, having looked “haunted” up against the Englishman, in particular.
Perhaps this is an issue Amorim would like to nip in the bud before long. It might well make a change of personnel in the pivot to have a true impact.
United’s ready-made Casemiro alternative
There are options if Amorim wants to switch things up in midfield.
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Mason Mount briefly played next to Bruno Fernandes away to Fulham at the start of the season, and Manuel Ugarte is another player who could slot into the side.
Yet, the obvious answer is Kobbie Mainoo. Amorim continues to ignore his obvious talent, despite being called a “future £100m+ footballer” by Alex Turk and starting in the final of Euro 2024 just 18 months ago.
It has been a tough campaign for the Stockport-born midfielder. He’s only played nine times in the Premier League, and is yet to start a game.
He’s featured for just 171 minutes, averaging 20 per game that he has played in.
Let’s not forget, though, the skill Mainoo possesses. He is a master in small spaces, able to break the press with his carrying ability and drive forward.
He’s also intelligent off the ball and is a strong dueller. Those were all on show on his Premier League debut against Everton, where he had 61 touches and won five duels.
Touches
61
Pass accuracy
83%
Passes completed
38/46
Ground duels won
3/5
Aerial duels won
2/3
Ball recoveries
3
Dribbles completed
2/3
The skills Mainoo could bring to United’s pivot would surely only benefit Amorim’s side. He is more physically up to speed than Casemiro and is less likely to get outrun.
On top of that, he brings different qualities on the ball which could add a new dynamic to midfield.
Plus, he still has an eye for goal like his fellow midfielder.
Mainoo has seven goals in a United shirt, with the most important one coming in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, which turned out to be the winner against Manchester City.
Mainoo has to get his chance in the United midfield soon enough. Their number 37 simply must be playing football every week, to continue on the path he was on just one year ago.
Don’t forget, he was trusted to start England’s biggest game in years.
With Casemiro’s occasional struggles out of possession, the starlet could be the Red Devils’ answer to their issues in midfield.
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