Ruben Amorim will adore what Kobbie Mainoo did against West Ham, as he responded to the ‘great position’ claim

Kobbie Mainoo’s performance in Manchester United’s victory over West Ham was an excellent response to Ruben Amorim’s pre-match comments.

Manchester United’s 2025 tour of the United States began with a 2-1 victory over West Ham in New Jersey, following a stalemate with Leeds United in the first pre-season friendly.

Bruno Fernandes scored both goals for the Red Devils after returning to his advanced No.10 position in Ruben Amorim’s team.

Amorim’s assessment of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo’s midfield connection was positive.

Kobbie Mainoo showcased his strengths in Man United vs West Ham.

Amorim’s pre-season goals for Mainoo include improving his pace and intensity during matches.

“I think he needs to increase the rhythm, the pace,” Amorim stated on Mainoo. He continued, “Last year, he played more up front. “I believe his ideal position is closer to the ball, always with the ball.”

Amorim is looking for a “athletic” midfielder this summer, but Mainoo may return to a central midfield role.

Kicking off our #PLSummerSeries campaign with a win! ➕3️⃣

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2025

Along with Ugarte, Mainoo showed great promise, both with the ball at his feet and in his counter-press to regain possession.

He played an important role in the second goal, displaying plenty of energy in midfield before Fernandes extended United’s lead with a superb finish.

Mainoo has worked hard throughout the summer, and he appears to be in excellent shape already in preseason. Amorim demands energy, and Mainoo provided that against West Ham.

Kobbie Mainoo can excel in midfield in 2025-26.

There have been many questions about where Mainoo fits in Amorim’s plans, but it appears that his long-term future is as a centre midfielder.

United could still look for a new midfielder, but it appears Mainoo will play a significant role in 2025/26.

Amorim has drilled his players to be incredibly fit and full of energy and intensity, with the two central midfielders in particular being held to this standard.

If Mainoo can continue to improve his chemistry with Ugarte, Amorim may have found his preferred midfield combo for the upcoming season.

Mainoo, a Carrington graduate, has impressed Rio Ferdinand this summer and is eager to resume his growth in 2025/26 after a slow start last season.

Chelsea Striker’s Premier League Loyalty Hands Manchester United a Major Boost in Nicolas Jackson Pursuit

In a twist that could significantly alter the summer transfer landscape, Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has reportedly turned down advances from two major European giants, reaffirming his intention to remain in the Premier League. This decision has given Manchester United an unexpected and timely boost in their growing interest to land the Senegalese forward.

Jackson, whose debut season at Stamford Bridge was a mix of raw potential and flashes of brilliance, has attracted widespread attention from top clubs across Europe. Two high-profile sides from La Liga and Serie A were reportedly keen on testing Chelsea’s resolve with lucrative offers. However, Jackson’s decision to stay in England suggests a strong belief in the Premier League’s competitiveness and a desire to prove his worth on the domestic stage.

This development couldn’t come at a better time for Manchester United. As Erik ten Hag looks to reshape his attack with younger, more versatile talent, Jackson fits the mold perfectly. Still in the early stages of his Premier League journey, he represents a forward who can be molded, developed, and deployed across different attacking roles — a quality Ten Hag has consistently valued.

Chelsea, for their part, have not entirely ruled out the idea of offloading Jackson, especially as they continue to chase new attacking options themselves. Financial Fair Play constraints, squad size considerations, and a desire to refresh the front line mean a transfer remains possible — but it now looks likelier to be within the Premier League than abroad.

United’s internal analysis of Jackson reportedly highlights his pace, ability to run in behind defenders, and his growing confidence as reasons to invest. Although the forward had an inconsistent goal return last season, United see his high work rate, movement, and physical attributes as a strong foundation for long-term success under their system.

Furthermore, the idea of signing a player already acclimatized to English football reduces the risk factor significantly. Jackson’s Premier League experience, coupled with his youth, gives United a player who could contribute immediately while still holding significant resale value.

The snub of the two European powerhouses has added a competitive edge to the domestic transfer hunt. While no formal bids have been tabled by United yet, the club is monitoring the situation closely. Sources suggest informal contact has already taken place between representatives, and that Jackson is intrigued by the opportunity to play under a manager known for developing attacking talent.

The player’s desire to stay in the Premier League also sends a strong signal about his mentality. In an era where young players often seek comfort abroad, Jackson’s decision hints at a steely ambition to succeed in England, to battle through adversity, and to make a name among the world’s toughest defenders.

This determination is not lost on Manchester United’s recruitment team. With the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Højlund needing consistent support in attack, Jackson could offer depth, rotation, and tactical flexibility across the front line.

Chelsea, meanwhile, must make a choice. Do they cash in on a player who still carries potential but hasn’t fully convinced? Or do they hold onto him and risk losing value if next season doesn’t bring a breakthrough? That internal debate may shape the negotiations in the coming weeks.

As the summer window unfolds, the narrative surrounding Nicolas Jackson is no longer just about one club’s development project — it’s becoming a tug-of-war that symbolizes a deeper battle among Premier League giants seeking future dominance.

With Jackson’s commitment to the English game now made clear, Manchester United’s path toward securing his signature looks smoother — but they will need to move quickly and decisively. Others in the league are now watching too, and Chelsea won’t let him go without a serious offer.

Whether this leads to a blockbuster domestic deal or simply raises the stakes, one thing is certain: Nicolas Jackson has just made the Premier League transfer race a whole lot more interesting.