Could Kobbie Mainoo Have Changed Amorim’s Fate?

Why Ruben Amorim Should Have Used Kobbie Mainoo More

Rúben Amorim departed Manchester United having not played Kobbie Mainoo for more than 45 minutes in any Premier League match this season. Following the Portuguese manager’s departure, interim head coach Michael Carrick has swiftly restored the Carrington graduate into the starting XI. Mainoo’s return has coincided with an upturn in form, completing 90 minutes in victories against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.

His importance at both ends was clear against City. Mainoo won six duels and two tackles, completed 31 of 34 passes, and registered ten final-third entries. Despite a prolonged absence from the starting side, he returned in sharp form, offering energy and balance that United’s midfield had often lacked earlier in the campaign.

Under Amorim, Mainoo’s position was frequently occupied by captain Bruno Fernandes, whose minutes were near-guaranteed. With Amorim favouring a two-man midfield, competition was minimal. When Mainoo did feature, his impact was muted, with a full 90 minutes in an EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby appearing to reinforce the manager’s reluctance to persist.

The system itself raised questions. Fernandes, a natural number ten, was often deployed deeper, where his creative influence was reduced and his defensive limitations exposed. Carrick however, has shifted Fernandes into his natural role, and the effect has been immediate: three assists in three matches accentuate the impact.

Mainoo's contribution to that output should not be overlooked. His willingness to receive the ball under pressure has allowed Fernandes a level of freedom he seldom enjoyed previously. Against Arsenal, Mainoo completed 85 percent of his passes, providing United’s forwards with a stable platform. Carrick’s side went on to score three goals against an opponent who hadn’t conceded that many since December 2023.

Mainoo’s latest performance against Fulham further demonstrated his remarkably well-rounded game, with his defensive activity encapsulated by an emphatic, yet perfectly-timed tackle on Raul Jimenez. In Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, his compatibility with Casemiro has restored balance to United’s midfield. With Fernandes now deployed more advanced, minutes appear likely to remain accessible for Mainoo.

Carrick has demonstrated clear trust in the young midfielder, and it has been rewarded immediately. As United’s form improves, questions surrounding Amorim’s reluctance to integrate Mainoo will inevitably grow. With each assured performance, the possibility becomes harder to ignore: had Mainoo been trusted, Amorim may still be managing at Old Trafford.