Kobbie Mainoo has opened up about the difficulties he faced after being left out of the team under former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, following his impressive return to form under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Breakthrough and Setback
The Carrington graduate had enjoyed a promising breakthrough spell after being promoted to the senior team under Erik ten Hag, but felt his progress stall under the Portuguese manager. For much of Amorim's 14 months in charge, Mainoo was increasingly sidelined, even seeking a loan move last summer, only for Manchester United to block the request.
Reflecting on the Challenge
In an interview with Sky Sports, Mainoo reflected on the challenge of working under Amorim, just months after playing a starring role in the FA Cup final win under Ten Hag. 'Going from playing nearly every game to not playing as often, it's always going to be difficult and an adjustment,' Mainoo said. 'But I guess it's part of the game and that was good for me in terms of learning myself, learning the game, what it is, patience.'
He added: 'It's difficult anytime you're not playing because I love football and I love to play. So, I feel like I learned things off the pitch in terms of how to schedule my life and how I train and how I work, getting into routines and stuff. And being able to learn from experienced players in the team, and also patience and just working hard.'
Support from Teammates
Mainoo credited teammates like Casemiro, Joshua Zirkzee, and captain Bruno Fernandes for their advice and reassurance during his spell as an outcast. He admitted that it was 'difficult' failing to even come off the bench for successive matches when fit. However, Mainoo noted: 'My family, my friends helped me see light at the end of the tunnel. They knew it would swing back my way at some point, so I just had to be patient.'
Future at Old Trafford
When asked if he had considered leaving Old Trafford, Mainoo was vague but said he had 'considered all things'. He stressed: 'But at the forefront of my mind was always to play for Manchester United and continue to play for this club that I've grown up at.' He emphasised that his dream of playing for Manchester United remains unchanged since his academy days.
Resurgence Under Carrick
Under Carrick, Mainoo has enjoyed a resurgence, starting in 14 of Manchester United's last 15 games as the team climbed to third place. He also signed a new contract last month, securing his future at the club until 2031. Mainoo had been the lowest-paid player in the dressing room before the deal, which followed months of discussions.
Casemiro's Endorsement
Mainoo received a ringing endorsement from teammate Casemiro, who described him as both the present and future of the club. 'He's an unbelievable player,' Casemiro told Rio Ferdinand. 'He's a No 8, he's not No 5. In Europe he's No 6. He's unbelievable. He loves the ball, he likes the ball, he needs the ball. He never loses the ball. He's strong, he has quality. But he needs to push every game, every time. He needs consistency. But for me, he's the present and the future of the club. This guy is an unbelievable player.'
