Ian Wright Says Kobbie Mainoo Has ‘Embarrassed’ Ruben Amorim After Manchester United Win
The United academy star is thriving under Michael Carrick, proving his worth and leaving former manager Amorim looking foolish.
Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence under Michael Carrick at Manchester United is turning heads across English football, with former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright insisting it should be “embarrassing” for former manager Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old academy graduate, who struggled for opportunities under Amorim, has now become a key figure in United’s revival, helping the Red Devils secure four successive wins in all competitions.
United’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday marked the fourth straight win since Carrick took over as interim manager. Mainoo has played every minute of these matches, contributing significantly to wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Spurs, helping United cement their spot in the Premier League’s top four.
Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo had become increasingly frustrated, barely featuring in the first half of the season. Reports suggested he had been on the verge of a move to Napoli in January to reunite with former teammate Scott McTominay. The Portuguese manager’s preference for a 3-4-3 formation, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes occupying central midfield, left little room for the young academy product.
Speaking on the Premier League World Show after the Spurs win, Ian Wright was full of praise for Mainoo and candid about the situation under Amorim. “Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim,” Wright said. “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. I think it’s very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim if we’re going to be totally honest. Because what we’ve seen was a Man United youth product not given the opportunity to play and very, very close to leaving the club.”
Wright highlighted the impact Mainoo has had under Carrick, who has restored the young midfielder’s confidence and given him the platform to showcase his talent. “You’re listening to Bruno 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,” Wright added.
Carrick himself has been quick to praise Mainoo, acknowledging both his talent and his youthful potential. After the Spurs match, the interim manager said: “There’s no doubt about Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring. 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 current form is more than just a boost for United. It is also a personal statement. Having endured the frustration of limited game time and being on the fringes of first-team action, the midfielder is now firmly in Carrick’s plans and is making a compelling case for international recognition. His ultimate aim is to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Having not played for England since 2024, Mainoo faces stiff competition to break into Tuchel’s midfield before the tournament begins in June.
The contrast between Mainoo’s treatment under Amorim and his flourishing under Carrick has not gone unnoticed by pundits and fans alike. It underscores not only the talent of the young midfielder but also the importance of managerial trust and tactical fit in unlocking a player’s potential.
As Manchester United continue their push toward the Premier League’s top four, Mainoo’s contributions are likely to be pivotal. With four consecutive wins under Carrick, including dominant performances against some of England’s strongest sides, the academy graduate is proving that patience, resilience, and the right managerial guidance can transform a career.
For Ruben Amorim, it is a stark reminder that talent left unused is potential wasted—and for Kobbie Mainoo, it is a validation of his abilities and a statement that he belongs at the highest level of English football.
