Gary Lineker Tells Manchester United Star to ‘Sue’ Ruben Amorim After ‘Awful’ Treatment

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has quickly become one of the Premier League’s rising stars under interim manager Michael Carrick, prompting former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker to make a humorous suggestion: should Mainoo take legal action against his former manager, Ruben Amorim?

The 20-year-old England international has enjoyed a dramatic turnaround at Old Trafford. Once on the fringes under Amorim, struggling for consistent playing time, Mainoo has now firmly established himself as a key figure in United’s midfield. His resurgence comes at the perfect time for the Red Devils, who are pushing hard for Champions League qualification this season.

Lineker made his light-hearted comments during an appearance on the Rest is Football podcast, praising Mainoo’s maturity, composure, and vision on the ball.

“Do you know what? If I was Kobbie Mainoo – and I say this in jest – I’d be thinking about whether I should sue him [Amorim] or not,” Lineker quipped. “He’s taken a year out of that kid’s career. This kid is a wonderful footballer.”

The former England forward went on to describe Mainoo’s style of play, noting his intelligence on the ball and ability to make quick, effective decisions under pressure. “God, he makes it look so easy. He wants the ball, he receives it with anyone around him and he turns, always makes the right decisions, he’s graceful. I mean, come on! He’s been absolutely detrimental to his career.”

Mainoo’s recent performances have highlighted just how crucial he has become to United’s system under Carrick. The midfielder has been instrumental in their unbeaten run, which now stretches to four matches following a convincing 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes were on the scoresheet at Old Trafford, but it was Mainoo’s midfield control and intelligent link-up play that drew plaudits from fans and pundits alike.

Lineker is confident that Mainoo’s form could even see him break into the England national team for major tournaments. “If he doesn’t make the World Cup squad… and I sense he probably will if he can stay fit and if he keeps playing, because he’s just a seriously good footballer,” he added. “I know his brother got in a bit of trouble for saying on the T-shirt, ‘Free Kobbie’, but he has absolutely got a point, his brother. What was he [Amorim] thinking?!”

Mainoo’s revival couldn’t have come at a better time for Manchester United. The club is in a strong position in the race for top-four Premier League spots, currently keeping pace with league leaders Arsenal and closely monitoring Chelsea and Manchester City. Their victory against Spurs not only extended United’s unbeaten run but also allowed them to retain a buffer over their closest rivals.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are just a single point behind following their 3-1 win over Wolves, while Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City has widened the gap to five points behind United. With the Premier League title race heating up, every performance counts, and Mainoo’s contribution has been a shining example of how new management can revive a player’s career.

United now face a midweek clash with Sunderland, who remain unbeaten at home this season. As the Red Devils continue to navigate a packed fixture schedule, Mainoo’s emergence could prove pivotal in both the Premier League and Champions League qualification battles.

For fans, the story of Mainoo’s rise under Carrick serves as a reminder of the fine margins in football. One manager’s doubts can become another’s faith, and the 20-year-old midfielder appears determined to seize every opportunity presented to him. With Lineker’s humorous nod to a potential lawsuit, it’s clear that the wider footballing world has taken notice of Mainoo’s talent and the remarkable turnaround in his career.