Ian Wright Brands Ruben Amorim's Mainoo Treatment 'Embarrassing'
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has launched a scathing critique of Ruben Amorim, declaring the Portuguese manager's handling of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United as "embarrassing". Wright's comments come amid a dramatic revival in form for both the player and the club under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Mainoo's Resurgence Under Carrick
Since Michael Carrick assumed the interim managerial role last month, Manchester United have secured four consecutive Premier League victories. These wins include triumphs over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham Hotspur, solidifying their fourth-place position in the table. A central figure in this turnaround has been academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, who has completed every minute of those four matches.
This stands in stark contrast to his situation under Ruben Amorim, who was dismissed on January 5. During Amorim's tenure, the 20-year-old midfielder was frequently relegated to the bench, a decision that reportedly led Mainoo to agitate for a January transfer, with Serie A side Napoli showing keen interest.
Wright's Blunt Assessment
Speaking on the Premier League World Show following United's 2-0 win over Tottenham, Wright expressed his bewilderment at Amorim's previous team selections. "Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim," Wright stated. He highlighted Mainoo's immediate impact in a midfield that had been under intense scrutiny, praising the player's quality and composure.
"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," Wright added. "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."
Tactical Shift Unlocks Potential
The managerial change has brought a significant tactical shift for Mainoo. Amorim's preference for a 3-4-3 formation often saw him sidelined in favour of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central roles. In contrast, Carrick has deployed a 4-2-3-1 system, installing Mainoo as a regular fixture alongside Casemiro, which has maximised his influence on the pitch.
Carrick himself has acknowledged Mainoo's abilities and development. After the victory over Spurs, secured by goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes, Carrick remarked, "There's no doubt about Kobbie's ability and what he can bring. 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."
Future Ambitions and International Hopes
Mainoo's impressive performances have not only bolstered United's campaign but also reignited his personal ambitions. His ultimate goal is to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer. Having not featured for the national team since 2024, he faces a challenging task to displace established favourites in central midfield before the tournament commences on June 11.
This narrative of a talented young player overlooked, nearly departing, and then flourishing under new management underscores a significant managerial misjudgment, according to Wright, casting a long shadow over Amorim's brief and ultimately unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford.
