Kobbie Mainoo barely got a kick in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim this season, but Michael Carrick immediately brought him in for his first start against Manchester City and the 20-year-old proved a point or two
Ruben Amorim didn’t deserve to be sacked according to some people. But in the space of one Manchester derby, Kobbie Mainoo proved that the Portuguese’s dismissal was the right decision.
Amorim, for whatever reason, decided to neglect one of the best young midfielders in English football during his time at Manchester United. He saw him as a deputy for Bruno Fernandes – who doesn’t need one because if he’s fit, he plays – and nothing else.
His decision felt bizarre and criminal in equal measure. And in the end, it became self defeating, because Amorim no longer has a job at Old Trafford. Of course, Mainoo does.
Amorim’s treatment of Mainoo – who had risen to prominence under Erik ten Hag to the extent that he was promptly promoted into England’s senior squad for Euro 2024 – left the boyhood United fan disillusioned and wanting to leave.
Imagine that. Wanting to leave your hometown club, the one you supported as a child, the one which scouted you at the age of six and signed you at the age of seven.
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Mainoo had spent the last few weeks speaking to Napoli. He, like the rest of the world, hadn’t failed to notice how former team-mate Scott McTominay has taken his game to new levels with the Italian champions, under the guidance of Antonio Conte. He was keen to do the same for himself.
With Amorim ruining his season, he know his chances of being named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup this summer were getting worse by the day.
However, the Serie A side can forget about signing Mainoo now. He has forgotten all about moving to the Amalfi coast. His focus is back on the club of his heart, and thriving at home once more.
Mainoo reminded everyone what a top class player he is during United’s destruction of Manchester City at Old Trafford on Saturday. He was the epitome of composure and class in a high-octane game, again looking like the player who held United together at times in his breakthrough season and started for the Three Lions in the final of Euro 2024.
He was the outstanding midfielder on the pitch, one which included Fernandes and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. So good was Mainoo, Rodri was insignificant from start to finish.
And all of this in his first league start of the season.
It’s understood Michael Carrick spoke to Mainoo after being appointed as interim manager, telling him that he would be a part of his plans between now and the end of the season.
Telling him to focus on re-establishing himself in the United team.
And telling him to prove Amorim wrong.
Within 90-plus minutes, he has done just that.
Amorim’s stubbornness cost Mainoo half a season. He can’t get that back and it might be too late for him to impress Tuchel enough to take him to USA this summer.
However, at a time when United are in serious need of some more genuine quality in midfield – but seem unwilling to send the money to get it – the fallen giants will feel like a new signing has arrived shown up again.
Mainoo does not turn 21 until April. He has a long, potentially brilliant, career ahead of him. And United should make sure the bulk of it is with them – whatever happens in the dugout.
