Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info In his last five starts for Manchester United, Kobbie Mainoo has played in three different positions. In a two-week spell at the end of January alone, he went from a holding midfielder to an attacking midfielder to a striker. As he plots his way back after an untimely injury, he came on as a game-changing striker against Lyon before dropping back to the No.10 role against Wolves. While he tries to force his way into the team for United's Europa League run-in, the 20-year-old is still trying to figure out where his future lies under Ruben Amorim. When he spent four games partnering Manuel Ugarte in the deep midfield positions at the start of January, including in encouraging team displays at Anfield and the Emirates, there was an assumption that the uncompromising Urugayan and the silky skills of the lad from Stockport could forge one of the first long-term partnerships of the Amorim era. But in a Europa League win in Bucharest, Mainoo was shifted forward, played superbly and then heard Amorim cast considerable doubt over whether he had what it takes to play in one of those more defensive-minded midfield positions. "He was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder. Now more as a ten, you can feel that he was so free, playing the ball near the box is really good, the small connections," explained Amorim. "We need time to work with the players and understand the best positions for them." That last comment was the most instructive of all. It suggested Amorim had arrived at United with a view of Mainoo as a No.6, a role he fulfilled under Erik ten Hag, but has gradually viewed him as someone better closer to the opposition box. His nifty footwork and devastating finish against Lyon show why that is the case. Since the last of those four games in holding midfield, a 3-1 defeat to Brighton on January 19, he hasn't played a minute there. Does that suggest his chances of ever making that role his own under Amorim are gone? If Casemiro does depart this summer, it would leave only Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and Toby Collyer as options for those positions, without reinforcements being made. But if Amorim now only sees Mainoo as an attacking midfielder, he will face competition for those positions. If United sign Matheus Cunha, six players could be competing for two spaces in the team next season. While versatility can be helpful for a young player, and Fernandes is an excellent example of a midfielder who can do both, Mainoo's development would be enhanced by getting the chance to establish himself in one particular position. He will want clarity over where he can expect to play. That might be something he will also want to be offered during talks over a new deal. United remain relaxed about the situation, given the academy graduate has two years remaining on his current contract with the option for another year in the club's favour. But talks have dragged on and they haven't been simple. There are two strands to defining Mainoo's best role. If he's a No. 10, how much are United willing to pay him if he isn't in Amorim's best team? For Mainoo, does he want to stay and be one of those attacking players fighting for two positions, or does he see himself as something of an all-rounder? In the remaining weeks of this season, we might get a clearer picture of his future under Amorim and whether that smooths the wheels of talks over a new contract at Old Trafford. --- Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories. And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.