Ruben Amorim ripped to shreds as former Man Utd boss ‘should be embarrassed’ | Football | Sport

Ian Wright has claimed that Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence under Michael Carrick at Manchester United ought to leave Ruben Amorim feeling rather sheepish. The midfielder, who found himself sidelined during Amorim’s spell in charge, has emerged as a crucial component in United’s impressive run of results since Carrick stepped in as interim boss.

Their latest victory over Tottenham Hotspur represented United’s fourth successive win since Carrick took charge last month. Mainoo has featured for the entire duration in nearly every match under Carrick’s stewardship, contributing to wins against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs that have propelled United into fourth spot in the Premier League table.

The homegrown talent had been mulling over a January departure during Amorim’s time at the helm, with Napoli expressing keen interest.

Yet Amorim’s sacking has proved transformative for the youngster, who has registered two assists alongside numerous vital contributions over the last month.

Wright, the former Arsenal and England striker who has long championed Mainoo, reckons that whilst his recent displays bolster Carrick’s reputation, they simultaneously cast Amorim in an unfavourable light.

On the Premier League World Show after the Spurs victory, he remarked: “Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim.

“When you look at [Mainoo], someone who’s not played, coming into a Man United side that’s not in great form. To play in that midfield which is where all the questions have been around… just the quality.

“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.

“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.”

Mainoo had contemplated a move to Napoli back in January, frustrated by his substitute role under Amorim.

The previous manager’s fondness for the 3-4-3 system kept him on the sidelines, with Casemiro and Fernandes occupying central midfield, but Carrick has installed him as a regular alongside the Brazilian in a 4-2-3-1 setup.

“There’s no doubt about Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring,” said Carrick following goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Fernandes that delivered victory against Spurs.

“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.”

Mainoo’s primary objective is to earn a place in the England squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.

However, he hasn’t played for the Three Lions since 2024 and it will be a tough task to replace one of Thomas Tuchel’s favoured central midfielders before the tournament begins in June.