Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system at Manchester United has certainly divided fans, and the jury is still out as to whether it works or not. One of the major changes to the system compared to previous great United teams over the years is the midfield.
Amorim operates with two number sixes in a double pivot, with two number 10s ahead of those, either side of the striker. He has adapted Bruno Fernandes’ game, with the talismanic United midfielder now playing in that pivot, rather than close to goal, where he has had lots of previous success for the club.
Another player who has been affected by the different system is Kobbie Mainoo.
Why Kobbie Mainoo is in an awkward situation
It has certainly not been the easiest season for one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world, Mainoo. The 20-year-old ranked 36th in the recent Golden Boy awards, highlighting just how big a talent he is.
However, the 2025/26 season has not been plain sailing for Mainoo, through no fault of his own. The boyhood United star has only played 166 minutes across five games this term, and has registered an assist in that time. He’s yet to start a Premier League game.
Well, many United fans are confused as to why the England international cannot break into their starting lineup. Former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves said after the Manchester derby that he’ll “never know” why Amoirm isn’t picking Mainoo.
Indeed, it is strange, given the young midfielder’s exploits during his short career so far. The 20-year-old has started a final at a major tournament for England and scored an FA Cup final-winning goal.
Mainoo’s lack of involvement at United this season has certainly been disappointing, given his obvious talent, and left him in an awkward situation. Interestingly, there was a former United midfielder who was ahead of him at one stage.
The ex-midfielder ahead of Mainoo
Although Mainoo has not been given any opportunities this season, the 20-year-old is without doubt a huge talent. He could certainly be viewed as the heir in line to the throne when it comes to legendary United midfielders.
Well, before Mainoo made his first-team debut, there was someone else who could have staked a claim to that title. Fellow academy graduate Zidane Iqbal made his first-team debut just under a year before the England international, but did not quite follow the same career path.
Iqbal’s only game for United came in the Champions League against BSC Young Boys. He only played one minute of normal time, and never failed to get onto the pitch again, despite being on the bench several times.
The Iraqi international left the club for Dutch side FC Utrecht in 2023 and was sold for just £857k. He has since gone on to make a real impression for the Eredivisie side, making 41 appearances and scoring once.
The midfielder’s best skill is his passing, which has really shone during his time in the Netherlands. Last season, he averaged 6.58 progressive passes and 5.4 passes into the final third per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 11% and 16% respectively, of midfielders in the Dutch top flight.
Pass completed
46.21
83rd
Pass accuracy
88.3%
98th
Progressive passes
6.58
89th
Passes into final third
5.4
84th
Passes into penalty box
1.18
74th
If Iqbal had stayed at Old Trafford and been given a chance to show off his talent, he could have been the natural successor to the famous number 18 shirt. That has previously been worn by midfield maestros Fernandes and, earlier, Paul Scholes.
Interestingly, the Iraqi international looked up to Scholes as a youngster. He once explained, “I’d kind of just base my game off him and put myself in his shoes”, which is not a bad way to learn the art of control in midfield.
Well, to wear the number 18 shirt as a creative midfielder at United, you really do need to be a player capable of pulling the strings. Fernandes has 86 assists in Red so far, and the legendary Scholes amassed 82, per Transfermarkt.
The stats show just how well Iqbal can dictate the game in midfield. He has proven himself to be a true controller of the midfield in a top league, and surely could have been considered worthy enough of donning that famous number 18 shirt.
United fans can only look back on this as what could have been. Iqbal was ahead of Mainoo in his development and perhaps could have formed the perfect partnership alongside the 20-year-old, with the number 18 on his back.
