Kobbie Mainoo’s Remarkable Resurgence Under Carrick

Kobbie Mainoo appeared to be on the verge of leaving Old Trafford as the winter transfer window opened, having found himself overshadowed under coach Amorim. During the initial half of the 2025-26 season, he did not secure a single Premier League start.

Interest from Italy surfaced, particularly from Serie A champions Napoli, who were keen on acquiring his services. However, the situation shifted dramatically on January 5 when Amorim was relieved of his coaching duties.

This change provided Mainoo with a fresh start, which he has fully embraced, leading to discussions regarding a potential new contract.

Under Michael Carrick’s guidance, Mainoo has become a vital player, contributing significantly to a streak of four consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham. His resurgence has also put him back in contention for a spot on England’s World Cup squad.

Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker shared his thoughts on the Rest is Football podcast, stating, “If I were Kobbie Mainoo – and I say this in jest – I might consider suing Amorim. He has essentially taken a year out of this young man’s career. Mainoo is an exceptional footballer; he plays with such ease and grace, making the right decisions consistently. Amorim’s actions have been detrimental to his development.”

Lineker, who earned 80 caps for England, continued, “If Mainoo doesn’t make the World Cup squad, it would be surprising given his talent, provided he maintains fitness and continues to play well. His brother’s remarks on the ‘Free Kobbie’ t-shirt resonate; there’s truth in that statement. What was Amorim thinking?”

Carrick has been instrumental in helping Mainoo regain his form, believing there is still untapped potential within the young star. Carrick remarked, “There’s undoubtedly more to come from him; he is just at the beginning of his career. His experiences in high-pressure situations will aid his development. Playing alongside someone like Casemiro provides invaluable learning opportunities, even if he may not realize it yet.”

He emphasized the importance of managing expectations for young players, noting, “Kobbie is currently having a significant impact on games, and we will continue to work with him to foster his growth. It’s crucial to avoid placing undue pressure on him; he is still learning the game.”

Carrick acknowledged Mainoo’s impressive return following a challenging phase in his early career, stating, “His ability is unquestionable, and while he may seem more experienced due to recent highs and lows, we need to remember he is still young. It requires patience, but I am confident he will keep improving.”

Mainoo will look to contribute to Manchester United’s quest for a fifth consecutive win when they face West Ham on Tuesday. A successful outcome in East London would secure Carrick’s team a position within the Premier League’s top four, keeping their Champions League aspirations alive.