Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd could sign the new Paul Scholes for £52m

After more than a year in charge at Manchester United, Ruben Amorim finally showed signs of flexibility and changed his system against Newcastle United.

He has played an infamous 3-4-2-1 for the majority of his tenure at Old Trafford, but fielded a 4-3-3 during the first half against the Magpies.

If this becomes a regular occurrence for Amoirm’s United side, then it opens up a plethora of new opportunities for spots in the side. One man who could be in luck is Kobbie Mainoo, who has not been given an opportunity this season, or in 2025 in general, despite his obvious talent.

Yet, there is hope that Mainoo might get his chance, and it is clear to see what he can bring to United’s midfield.

Why Mainoo still has a future at Man Utd

It has been quite the start to Mainoo’s short career so far. Despite the struggles he’s experienced this term with the lack of opportunity, he’s achieved a lot, including the winning goal in the 2023/24 FA Cup final, and starting for England in the Euro 2024 showpiece.

The 20-year-old has made 84 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring seven goals, including that one against Manchester City at Wembley, and assisting four.

However, this season has been very different.

This term, the Stockport-born sensation has only played 12 times, accumulating a little over 300 minutes. But the quality he brings on the ball is surely something Amorim must utilise more. Mainoo is a brilliant ball carrier, especially in small spaces, and can break lines with surges forward.

That is captured perfectly by some of his underlying numbers. In the last 365 days, the United academy graduate has ranked in the top 13% of midfielders in Europe for successful take-ons per 90 minutes, with 1.09.

It is clear that Amorim should give Mainoo more opportunities. But the Red Devils are targeting a midfielder who could reduce his chances even more.

Man Utd could land the new Paul Scholes

A report from The Athletic last week named United as one of the clubs ‘that have shown interest’ in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.

INEOS will face plenty of competition for the £52m star, though, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United also keen on the 19-year-old.

Despite his inexperience, it has been an impressive campaign for Smit in the middle of midfield for AZ. He has made 27 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting a further five times.

He made a name for himself as a good box-crasher in youth football, too.

One of the best things about the Dutch under-21 international is the versatility he possesses. This term, Smit has tended to play as a number eight, but can operate deeper, at the base of midfield, and in a more advanced number 10 role.

One of the real standout skills in the young Dutchman’s game is his passing ability, especially in the final third. Smit is silky on the ball and “dominant” in possession, according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.

That is personified in his underlying numbers over the last year.

The 19-year-old has averaged 6.35 progressive passes and an impressive 1.93 key passes per 90 minutes, which places him in the top 19% and 8% of midfielders.

With those passing stats in mind, it’s easy to compare the midfielder to United legend Paul Scholes. Few, if any, in Premier League history have been a better passer of the football than the Class of ‘92 member.

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Scholes was a true controller in midfield and impactful in the box. He bagged 155 goals for his boyhood club.

Arsenal great Thierry Henry once said, “the way he plays: one touch, arriving late into the box, the way he strikes the ball, his vision, his passing. Incredible.”

That is certainly reminiscent of Smit. The vision he possesses is eerily similar to Scholes, and the fact that he is such an effective player in the box. The similarities are clear to see, and that must be exciting as a United fan.

As for Mainoo, however, at a time when his game time has already been limited, the addition of another midfielder could well spell bad news for his future role under Amorim and INEOS.

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