Patrice Evra believes Manchester United would get more from their midfield by bringing Kobbie Mainoo back into the side ahead of Youri Tielemans.
Mainoo was left out of the starting XI for the opening-day defeat to Hull City, with Tielemans handed a place alongside Andrey Santos. United struggled to control the game and eventually lost 2-0, leaving Evra questioning whether the midfield has the right balance.
Evra wants Kobbie Mainoo behind Bruno
The former United left-back’s argument is based largely on Bruno Fernandes‘ role.
Evra believes Fernandes can have a bigger influence further forward, but only if there is someone behind him capable of controlling the pace of the game.
“If you want Bruno to play as the number 10, then fair enough, but you need a midfielder behind him to control the tempo,” said Evra.
He then made his preference clear.
“Someone like Kobbie Mainoo. But that’s not the way we’re playing right now.”
Mainoo has already shown that he can operate in different midfield roles, and Evra thinks his presence would give Fernandes greater freedom.
The Frenchman also sees Carlos Baleba as part of the ideal combination.
“Bruno, Mainoo and Baleba are our best midfield.”
That would mean Tielemans dropping to the bench, despite only arriving from Aston Villa this summer.
Evra was particularly blunt about the Belgian’s style, adding, “Tielemans is too soft, I prefer Mainoo.”
United have already been discussing how to get more from their midfield. Michael Carrick has added Tielemans, Santos and Baleba, while Mainoo remains an important option.
The challenge now is finding the combination that gives Fernandes enough freedom without leaving the team exposed behind him.
For Evra, that answer is the midfield around Baleba and Mainoo, with Fernandes playing further forward.
