Coventry City v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final - Source: Getty
Coventry City v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Semi Final (Image Source: Getty)
Ian Wright has slammed former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim for his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo. He claimed that their recent performances under Michael Carrick have "embarrassed" the Portuguese manager.
The Red Devils beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Saturday. Kobbie Mainoo made his fourth consecutive start and put in a good performance, providing an assist. He has started in every game under Carrick, having failed to get a Premier League start under Amorim this season.
After Manchester United's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal legend Ian Wright said (h/t Metro):
"This is the quality of Kobbie Mainoo and we saw that when he got into the team, the England team, he played in the Euros at 18, we know the quality he’s got. Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim. Because when you look at him, someone who’s not played, coming into a Man United side that’s not in great form, to play in that midfield which is where all the questions have been around… just the quality."
"I think it’s very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim, if we’re going to be totally honest. Because what we seeing now is a Man United youth product not given the opportunity to play and very, very close to leaving the club. He [Mainoo] was brilliant today, magnificent," he added.
Aside from his assist, Mainoo completed 75/80 passes, making four key passes. The Manchester United academy graduate also completed 2/4 dribble attempts, won 8/14 duels, and made four recoveries.
Dimitar Berbatov heaps praise on Kobbie Mainoo after Manchester United's win over Spurs
Former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov also lauded Kobbie Mainoo's performance on Saturday. He said that he was pleased with the midfielder staying at the club amidst rumors that he might leave in search of playing time.
Berbatov said:
"When I was watching him today, not only today, he’s constantly scanning the pitch, constantly scanning where he is, where his teammates are, making that picture in his head so he knows exactly when the ball how to play one touch, two touch.
"He’s very clever slowing the game when the game needs to be slowed down, draw the opposition towards him then pass the ball. This way it frees the space in the opposition half. Again, very happy that he stayed at United, we are not forced to watch him play for another team because now we can see how good he really is and I think he can become even better," he added.
Mainoo, 20, came through Manchester United's academy and has made 90 senior appearances, recording seven goals and five assists. The Red Devils, meanwhile, have won four games in a row and will next face West Ham United away on February 10.