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Leny Yoro hints Man Utd’s best physical presence hasn’t started in the Premier League yet

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Oct 26, 2025 9:39 AM ET

Manchester United’s absence from European competition has given them more time to train, but it has also limited opportunities for players to get game time.

Ruben Amorim has made use of the extra training sessions, and it has been clear in how the team have adapted and improved their playstyle. However, playing just once a week has left some squad members short on minutes.

Joshua Zirkzee is one player feeling the effects of that reduced schedule. Others like Kobbie Mainoo and Ayden Heaven are also finding it difficult to break into the starting line-up regularly despite showing promise.

Leny Yoro recently named who he would pick from his teammates to build a ‘perfect’ player, and one of his choices says a lot about how some within the squad may view Amorim’s selections.

Leny Yoro puts together his ideal Manchester United player, featuring Kobbie Mainoo in key roles

Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

Building a ‘perfect’ player is always a fun talking point, and while most players have one outstanding attribute, Yoro’s picks saw some teammates feature more than once.

The idea came up during an interview with DAZN, and the player he put together would be something special.

Diogo Dalot’s Speed
Joshua Zirkzee’s Dribbling
Bruno Fernandes’ Passing
Benjamin Sesko’s Shooting
Kobbie Mainoo’s Physicality
Harry Maguire’s Set Piece threat
Matthijs de Ligt’s defending
Altay Bayindir’s Goalkeeping
Casemiro’s Aggressiveness
Kobbie Mainoo’s Skill
Matthijs de Ligt’s Game IQ

Mainoo was chosen for both skill and strength, which sums up the 20-year-old perfectly. Even so, despite his undeniable talent and the high esteem in which his teammates hold him, he has not yet started a league game for United this season.

The two trained together during the off-season, so if anyone in the squad has seen firsthand what Mainoo can do, it is likely Yoro.

Kobbie Mainoo deserves more playing time at Manchester United

While Amorim has emphasised the need for patience with Mainoo, that message may soon start to wear thin. The most gifted Carrington product in recent years should be getting more opportunities.

The 20-year-old has struggled to find consistent playing time under Amorim, and when he does feature, it is often in less-than-ideal circumstances, frequently paired with Manuel Ugarte.

This season has not provided enough minutes for Mainoo to develop into the player many believe he can become.

And as Bruno Fernandes looks likely to leave next summer, it makes sense for United to begin preparing the Briton as his long-term successor.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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