Manchester United's dramatic upturn in form under Michael Carrick, who has overseen four straight victories since becoming interim boss, is reflecting badly on Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim looks on
Ruben Amorim left Kobbie Mainoo on the bench during his time in charge(Image: Getty)
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Kobbie Mainoo's resurgence under the management of Michael Carrick at Manchester United should be embarrassing for Ruben Amorim, according to Ian Wright. Mainoo was left on the sidelines during Amorim's spell in charge but has been a key part of United's turn around in form under Carrick.
United's 2-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday made it four in succession since Carrick was made interim manager last month. Mainoo has played 90 minutes in all four of Carrick's games in charge, helping them beat Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs to solidify fourth place in the Premier League.
When Amorim was still around, the 20-year-old United academy graduate had been agitating for a transfer in January window, with Napoli keen on signing him. But the Portuguese manager's sacking on January 5 changed everything for him, with two assists and some telling contributions coming over the last month.
Former Arsenal and England striker Wright has always been a fan of Mainoo and believes that, while his recent form is a boost to Carrick's reputation, it should also damage Amorim's. "Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim," Wright said on the Premier League World Show after the win over Spurs.
"When you look at (Mainoo), 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.
"You're listening to Bruno [Fernandes] saying they've been given the freedom to express themselves because they're good players. And Kobbie is a very, very good player. I'm just pleased we're seeing that now.
"I think it's very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim if we're going to be totally honest. Because what we seen was a Man United youth product not given the opportunity to play and very, very close to leaving the club."
Michael Carrick and Kobbie Mainoo #37 of Manchester United F.C. participate in a substitution
Kobbie Mainoo has thrived under Michael Carrick(Image: Mike Morese/Getty Images)
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Mainoo wanted to join Napoli - and his former United team-mate Scott McTominay - in January, having grown frustrated by his status as a substitute under Amorim. The former manager's love of the 3-4-3 formation left him on the bench, with Casemiro and Fernandes in central midfield, but Carrick has made him a fixture alongside the Brazilian in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
"There's no doubt about Kobbie's ability and what he can bring," Carrick said after goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes saw off 10-man Spurs. "He's still so young and learning the game. He has had the big high and then not playing for a bit. It is easier to think he is older than he is.",
Mainoo's ultimate goal is to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer. He has not played for England since 2024 and faces an uphill battle to dislodge one of Tuchel's favourites in central midfield before the tournament begins on June 11.
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