At a glance
- Liverpool icon labels Amorim ‘out of order’
- Mainoo recalled to England after recent form
- United boss Carrick has played him in every game so far
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has called former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo “out of order”.
The former Liverpool captain spoke to TNT Sports about England’s recent call-ups, which included a recall for Mainoo. With this news, it is widely expected that the United midfielder will be part of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions boss named a 35-man squad for the upcoming friendlies, while the World Cup squad will feature only 25 players. His side face Uruguay on Friday (March 27th) and Japan next Tuesday (March 31st).
Gerrard on Amorim’s Treatment of Mainoo
Gerrard earned 114 caps for England during his playing career, captaining the Three Lions for many years. He is a big Mainoo fan and explained why his time under Amorim was a detriment:
“I think he’s a fantastic player. He’s done well in the last tournament [Euro 2024]. [I] felt really sorry for him in terms of the kid’s career under Amorim. I think it was out of order that he never got any opportunity, especially with Man United being so inconsistent.”
Gerrard alluded to Amorim’s replacement Michael Carrick reinstating Mainoo into the Reds’ starting lineup:
”But not surprised that Michael Carrick [recalled him to the starting XI]. I think that was one of the straight wins if you walk into a job, if you like. Get Kobbie Mainoo back in, get him smiling, give him game time and minutes. And get him fit and up to the speed where we all know he can play.“
Mainoo has earned 10 caps since making his international debut in March 2024, aged 18. He was a key player at Euro 2024, playing in the 2-1 loss to Spain in the final.
Limited opportunities under Amorim
The Portuguese manager found little room for the 20-year-old in his preferred 3-4-3 setup. Wildly, Amorim suggested that Mainoo was the backup to the undroppable Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim never went so far as to outright label Mainoo as disposable, perhaps for fear of United fans who have fallen in love with the Carrington graduate. Instead, he called him the ‘future’ despite the player being a starter under Erik ten Hag.
In December, Mainoo requested a loan due to his limited opportunities under Amorim. The player was subject to interest from Serie A side Napoli, but any exit was blocked by the United hierarchy due to a lack of depth in the central midfield.
Lucky escape for United
United could see themselves as lucky that Mainoo did not request a transfer from the Red Devils. His professionalism has been an attitude that puts him years ahead of most in his age bracket, on and off the pitch.
Instead, Mainoo is set to sign a new bumper contract with the Old Trafford side. Contract talks between the club and the player were stalling due to uncertainty about his future, playing time, and the club’s faith in Amorim. Once the Portuguese coach was sacked, it made things much clearer for Mainoo.
Under the tutelage of Carrick, Mainoo has started alongside Casemiro in all but one game. He was en route to an injury comeback when Carrick first joined as interim manager. Even then, he was able to come off the bench and has not looked back since.
Gerrard continued: ”He’s now at a level where he walks in the England squad, never mind Amorim not playing him. He walks into the England squad if he’s playing regularly for Man United.”
Such was the case before Amorim, and is still the case after Amorim’s departure. United may well be having a squad overhaul this summer, but Mainoo can rest assured that he is the future of Manchester United once more.
