Manchester United’s Mainoo and the Aftermath of Amorim’s Departure

omidbasir- At just 20 years old, Kobbie Mainoo, a product of Manchester United’s esteemed academy, has yet to start a Premier League match this season, with all his appearances in the top-flight coming from the substitutes’ bench. His only start this season occurred during a disappointing Carabao Cup fixture against League Two side Grimsby.

Currently, Mainoo is sidelined due to an injury sustained before a match against Aston Villa. Despite his talent, manager Ruben Amorim seemed hesitant to incorporate him into his 3-4-2-1 system, which faced considerable criticism throughout its implementation.

Amorim’s reluctance to adapt his tactics ultimately led to his dismissal after a 14-month tenure, during which he managed 63 games without achieving consistent positive results. The club decided to take decisive action following his public criticisms of the board and the frustration expressed by several first-team players, including stars like Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho, who have since been moved on.

Another player affected by Amorim’s decisions is Alejandro Garnacho, who left Old Trafford after being marginalized under the Portuguese manager. Now with Chelsea, Garnacho recently liked an Instagram post announcing Amorim’s sacking. Mainoo also engaged with social media commentary on the situation, liking a post that humorously highlighted Amorim’s departure, suggesting that staff at Carrington were surprised to see him and his coaching team leaving the training ground in high spirits, reportedly due to a substantial £10 million payout.

Club captain Bruno Fernandes and fellow Portuguese player Diogo Dalot have publicly thanked Amorim while wishing him well for the future. However, it is noteworthy that ten members of United’s senior squad have chosen not to comment on his exit, including four players from Amorim’s last starting XI—goalkeeper Senne Lammens, defender Lisandro Martinez, and midfielders Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte. Another four players—Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia—have also remained silent. Teenage striker Chido Obi, who made his debut under Amorim last season but has not featured this term, has also refrained from commenting.

Mainoo’s sister, Ama, subtly criticized Amorim via an Instagram post featuring a smiling woman, while his brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, expressed support by wearing a t-shirt stating “Free Kobbie Mainoo” at a recent Premier League match. In response, Amorim asserted that Mainoo’s playing time would not be influenced by such gestures, emphasizing that his selection would depend on merit.

Despite labeling Mainoo as the “future of Manchester United,” Amorim’s reluctance to trust him alongside seasoned players like Fernandes and Casemiro has fueled speculation about a potential transfer, particularly as the January window approaches. There have been suggestions of a move to Italy, where former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund are thriving at Serie A champions Napoli, as well as ongoing interest from other Premier League clubs.

With Amorim’s departure, a clean slate is being offered at Old Trafford, which could favor Mainoo’s prospects. Former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently the U18 coach, has been appointed interim manager, while rumors swirl about the potential return of Michael Carrick or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer—both familiar figures at the club—to lead the first team until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.