Kobbie Mainoo became a regular under Erik ten Hag and starred for England at Euro 2024, but Steven Gerrard has criticised Ruben Amorim's handling of the midfielder
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard slammed Ruben Amorim for his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United.(Image: TNT Sports)
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Steven Gerrard has launched a scathing attack on Ruben Amorim, branding his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo as 'out of order'.
The former Manchester United manager took over a team where Mainoo had become a fixture, having made a name for himself under previous manager Erik ten Hag. However, instead of making him the focal point of his United side, Amorim chose to demote him to a squad player.
Prior to Amorim's departure from Old Trafford in January, Mainoo hadn't started a single Premier League match all season - and only completed 90 minutes once, in the Carabao Cup. This led to Mainoo losing his place in the England team, despite having been a standout performer for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final. It also sparked significant speculation that he might leave his childhood club, with clubs like Napoli reportedly showing interest.
However, since Amorim was succeeded by Michael Carrick at the start of 2026, the midfielder's fortunes have taken a turn for the better. He has started all 10 matches under Carrick, during which time they've amassed more points than any other Premier League team.
He was also recalled to Thomas Tuchel's England squad announced on Friday, fuelling expectations that he will be part of the World Cup squad heading to North America this summer.
Former England captain Gerrard is confident that Mainoo will make Tuchel's final squad but criticised the way he was handled by his previous manager.
"I felt really sorry for him in terms of the kid's career under Amorim," he said on TNT Sports. "I think it was out of order that he never got any opportunity, especially with Man United being so inconsistent.
"But not surprised that Michael Carrick [started to play him]. I think that was one of the straight wins if you walk into a job, if you like.
Michael Carrick and Kobbie Mainoo
Michael Carrick and Kobbie Mainoo
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"Get Kobbie Mainoo back in, get him smiling, give him game time and minutes, and get him fit and up to the speed where we all know he can play.
"He's now at a level where he walks in the England squad, never mind Amorim not playing him. He walks into the England squad if he's playing regularly for Man United."
Alongside a potential return to the England set-up, Mainoo now appears poised to commit his future to United with a new contract. His existing deal was set to expire next summer but hadn't been revised to reflect his elevated status at the club.
However, it has been reported that he is now anticipated to extend that agreement and remain at United on a long-term deal running until 2031.