Ruben Amorim's prediction about Kobbie Mainoo has been proven correct, even though the former Manchester United manager rarely started the midfielder. Mainoo signed a new five-year contract with United, confirming his long-term future at the club.
Mainoo's Limited Role Under Amorim
Under Amorim, Mainoo made only one start this season, in the Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby. He mostly appeared as a substitute in the Premier League and sometimes didn't even get off the bench. This raised doubts about his future at Old Trafford.
Last summer, United rejected Mainoo's loan request for regular first-team football. In January, Napoli showed interest in signing him.
Rapid Turnaround After Amorim's Departure
Just six months later, Mainoo committed to United by signing a new five-year deal. Before leaving in January, Amorim said: "If you play with a three, he can play like Mason Mount. He is going to be the future of Manchester United. He just needs to wait for his chance."
Amorim's exit quickly changed Mainoo's fortunes. Under new boss Michael Carrick, Mainoo started the first match, a 2-0 win over Manchester City. Since then, he has started every game he's been available for, missing only the defeat to Leeds through injury.
Mainoo Proving His Worth
Mainoo's new contract shows United's faith in his performances under Carrick. He is fulfilling Amorim's vision as the club's future star. The turnaround came sooner than expected, given his limited early-season playing time.
Amorim's comment that "everything can change in football in two days" proved accurate for Mainoo. While the former boss may not have anticipated his own exit enabling this change, his assessment of Mainoo as the future of Manchester United was spot on.
