“I’ve realized that holding back this player might have cost us in key moments, and I’m ready to change that immediately. He’s an asset we can no longer overlook,” — Ruben Amorim is under pressure to finally unleash Manchester United’s hidden gem as the team prepares to face Everton.

Ruben Amorim’s early days as Manchester United manager have been eventful, with back-to-back fixtures marking his introduction to the club. Following his debut match, Amorim now faces his first Premier League home game as United host Everton, aiming to build on their Europa League success at Old Trafford.

With the squad juggling a demanding schedule of three games per week for the foreseeable future, rotation will be key. Amorim has already signaled his intent to shuffle the lineup in the coming weeks, which could pave the way for Kobbie Mainoo, one of United’s brightest young talents, to make a significant impact against Everton.

Mainoo’s Role in Amorim’s Vision

Amorim’s decision to stick with Erik ten Hag’s preferred midfield duo of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in his debut match didn’t yield the desired results, as the pair struggled to meet his tactical demands. A switch to Manuel Ugarte in the Europa League brought more energy and structure to the midfield, though Bruno Fernandes’ positional lapses in that game left United vulnerable during defensive phases.

Mainoo, who is yet to feature under Amorim, could provide the perfect balance. Known for his composure and short-passing style, Mainoo also has the ability to make incisive plays when needed, offering a solution to Fernandes’ tendency to play overly adventurous passes from deeper positions. It’s a promising prospect, especially as Mainoo’s comeback last season—coincidentally against Everton—culminated in a man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

Building Towards Arsenal

The Everton clash serves as a precursor to United’s first marquee test under Amorim: an away game at Arsenal. The manager is expected to gradually reintroduce key players, including Mainoo, who could see minutes against Everton before earning a starting spot at the Emirates. Leny Yoro, another young talent, is also poised for a debut, potentially coming off the bench against Everton, with an eye on featuring more prominently in the Arsenal match.

Luke Shaw, who has made brief substitute appearances in recent games, could also start soon as Amorim carefully manages player fitness. This approach has brought a sense of stability to a squad that often struggled with injuries under ten Hag, allowing the team to transition from crisis management to a more measured, long-term strategy.

Amorim’s ability to reintegrate players while preparing for high-stakes fixtures will be crucial in shaping United’s fortunes, beginning with Everton and culminating in their trip to Arsenal.