Manchester United have a lot to prove to the world this season, and Ruben Amorim knows that as the manager of a ship that hasn’t risen to the tide, he remains very much under the hot seat.
The Red Devils finally showed signs of life in the 2025/26 season with a win over easy Premier League newcomers Burnley, with new signing Bryan Mbeumo playing a starring role.
But ahead of the Manchester Derby against perennial title contenders Manchester City, Manchester United are going to need more players to step up to the task, including those who underperformed last season.
Defensive midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was a hero and a sensation in England during the 2023/24 season, even lifting Manchester United to European football with his heroics in the FA Cup Final against that same Manchester City.
But Mainoo fell off last season and was mired in transfer rumors amidst difficult contract negotiations. Manchester United managed to keep their gem and have had no intention of losing him, but that doesn’t mean Amorim is letting him off easy.
Amorim had some harsh words of encouragement for Mainoo, via The Mirror’s David McDonnell:
“I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that he is already done [the finished article]. I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot. For some guys it [talent] is enough, but for him it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie. He will have opportunities like the other guys.”
Those are strong words indeed, but Amorim is right. Mainoo is a talented player, but he’s not good enough to get away with sulking, requesting transfers, and not playing at a consistently high level.
He has so much to grow, and while there is a lot of time for the 20-year-old to turn it around and be a true superstar in the Premier League, last season’s poor performances are an indication that Mainoo needs a kick in the pants like this one to get his career back where it needs to be.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.