One forgotten Manchester United ace was the star of the show in the thumping Manchester derby victory over Manchester City, just weeks after considering his future at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim
14:41, 19 Jan 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Kobbie Mainoo shone in his first Premier League start of the season(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
While some argue that Ruben Amorim's sacking was unjust, Kobbie Mainoo has demonstrated in just one match that Manchester United made the correct call for a change.
Amorim's decision to overlook one of England's top young midfield talents seemed both perplexing and negligent. Ultimately, it proved self-defeating. Now, Amorim is out of a job at Old Trafford, while Mainoo remains.
The Portuguese's handling of Mainoo left the player so disheartened he considered leaving United - his local club, the team he supported growing up, and the club that scouted him at six and signed him at seven.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United and Rico Lewis of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Copa/Getty Images)
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Mainoo made his first Premier League start of the season in the Manchester derby(Image: Copa, Getty Images)
Mainoo had been in talks with Napoli over the past few weeks. He'd seen how former teammate Scott McTominay had elevated his game with the Italian champions and was eager to do the same under Antonio Conte's guidance.
He was aware that Amorim was jeopardising his season - and potentially his chances of making Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup. But Napoli can now forget about signing Mainoo, as he's put thoughts of a move to the Amalfi coast behind him. His heart is once again set on home.
Mainoo showcased his top-tier talent during United's resounding victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford, reminding everyone of the player who held United together during his breakout season and started for England in the Euro 2024 final.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Matheus Cunha, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrate during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Kobbie Mainoo was crucial to the Manchester derby victory(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
In a high-stakes match, Mainoo was the embodiment of calmness and class. He outshone every other midfielder on the pitch, including Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, to such an extent that Rodri seemed inconsequential from start to finish. Remarkably, this was Mainoo's first league start of the season.
It's understood that Michael Carrick had a chat with Mainoo after taking over as interim manager. He assured him that he would be part of his plans for the rest of the season, encouraged him to focus on reclaiming his place in the team, and challenged him to prove Amorim wrong. And Mainoo has done just that.
Amorim's stubbornness cost Mainoo half a season of football. While it might be too late for him to impress Tuchel enough to secure a spot in the North America tour, his return comes at a time when United are desperate for some genuine quality in midfield but seem reluctant to splash the cash.
For the struggling giants, Mainoo's resurgence feels like a new signing. Mainoo won't turn 21 until April and has a promising career ahead of him.
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United should ensure that the majority of that career is spent with them - regardless of who the manager happens to be.