Ruben Amorim has been criticised once again off the back of Michael Carrick's remarkable work at Manchester United after so few games in charge, with the latest focus surrounding one player
Ruben Amorim looks on
Ruben Amorim's reputation took a massive hit at Manchester United (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Ian Wright has suggested that Kobbie Mainoo's revival under Michael Carrick at Manchester United should be a source of embarrassment for Ruben Amorim. Mainoo, who was largely overlooked during Amorim's tenure, has become a pivotal figure in United's recent upturn in form under interim head coach Carrick.
United's 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday marked their fourth consecutive win since Carrick took over last month. Mainoo has played the full 90 minutes in almost all of Carrick's matches at the helm, helping them defeat Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs to secure fourth place in the Premier League.
The 20-year-old United academy graduate had been considering a move in the January transfer window during Amorim's reign, with Napoli showing interest. However, Amorim's dismissal on January 5 changed everything for him, with two assists and several key contributions coming in the past month.
And former Arsenal and England forward Wright, a long-time admirer of Mainoo, believes that while his recent performances enhance Carrick's standing, they should also reflect poorly on Amorim.
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Speaking on the Premier League World Show following the victory over Spurs, he said: "Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim.
"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.
Ian Wright
Ian Wright has slammed Ruben Amorim (Image: Stick to Football)
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"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."
Mainoo had considered joining Napoli - and his former United teammate Scott McTominay - in January, due to his frustration with being a substitute under Amorim. The ex-manager's preference for the 3-4-3 formation left him on the bench, with Casemiro and Fernandes in central midfield, but Carrick has made him a regular 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 secured victory against 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 aim is to secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
He has not represented England since 2024 and faces a challenging task to displace one of Tuchel's preferred central midfielders before the tournament kicks off on June 11.