- Manchester United beat Chelsea 1-0
- Kobbie Mainoo returned after injury
- Joe Cole calls out Ruben Amorim treatment
Former Chelsea hero Joe Cole has made clear his bemusement over Ruben Amorim’s handling of Kobbie Mainoo after he starred in tonight’s victory at Stamford Bridge. The young English midfielder returned to Michael Carrick’s starting lineup for the game.
Matheus Cunha scored the winner in the first half, firing home a Bruno Fernandes cross against the run of play. The visitors fought hard to claim all three points and did so with Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven in central defence.
Mainoo missed the shock 2-1 loss at home to Leeds United on Monday due to a slight knock. But he shook off his fitness troubles during the week and made himself available for the clash in west London.
The 21-year-old put in a performance that reminded many of just how ridiculous Amorim’s treatment of him was. Since being reintegrated into the starting XI under Carrick he has been a key man alongside Casemiro.
Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd: Cole Calls Out Amorim’s Mainoo Treament
Mainoo helped control the tempo in the middle of the park but also performed superbly defensively. He won all three of his tackles, made three interceptions, five recoveries and won three of six ground duels.
The England international’s performance played a massive role in a victory that has put the Reds within touching distance of Champions League qualification. It will also go a long way in helping him earn a place on the plane for this summer’s World Cup.
Cole believes it also highlights Amorim’s poor decision not to trust in Mainoo during his tumultuous spell in charge. The former Chelsea winger told TNT Sports:
“One of the mad things for me watching Kobbie Mainoo… How did Ruben Amorim not get a tune out of him?”
Mainoo didn’t make a single start in the league under Amorim this season and his future was in doubt. He pushed to leave on loan last summer amid a lack of first-team opportunities.
Carrick’s appointment has resulted in a U-turn over his pondering of possibly leaving for more football. He’s since reclaimed his starting berth and made 11 appearances, posting two assists.
Mainoo Was Vital
When Mainoo was named in United’s matchday squad for today’s game, it came as a huge relief. Carrick, already without Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, needed a ball-playing profile in the middle of the park at Stamford Bridge.
Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte couldn’t function together in the defeat to Leeds on Monday night. That’s why it was massively important for the English talent to return for tonight’s encounter with the Blues.
Mainoo wasn’t even at his best, perhaps still getting back to match sharpness but he was effective. He continues to ridicule Amorim’s judgment of him every time he’s on the pitch.
