Former Arsenal forward Ian Wright has insisted that Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence under Michael Carrick has “embarrassed” former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim. Improved fortunes Mainoo has emerged as the primary beneficiary of Amorim’s dismissal and Carrick’s appointment as his temporary replacement in December last year. Amorim was unable to find a place in his plans for Mainoo, often preferring the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro ahead of him. Earlier in the season, Amorim shockingly stated that Mainoo was competing against Bruno Fernandes for a starting berth. Mainoo found playing time extremely hard to come by and in the final days of the summer transfer window, he asked the club to sanction a loan exit. United refused to grant his request. It’s believed Mainoo was eyeing an exit in the just-concluded winter window, with the likes of Chelsea, Napoli and Bayern Munich all thought to have been eyeing him. In the final weeks of his troubling tenure, Amorim often lashed out angrily when questioned about Mainoo’s reduced role. Carrick’s tenure has marked a major shift for Mainoo. The midfielder has started all four games under the new manager, proving instrumental to United’s four consecutive wins. Mainoo produced a sensational performance during Saturday’s 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur, sparking fresh criticism on Amorim about he mishandled the player’s development. Wright slams Amorim Wright said on Premier League Productions [as quoted by the Metro], “This is the quality of Kobbie Mainoo and we saw that when he got into the team, the England team, he played in the Euros at 18, we know the quality he’s got. Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim.” “Because when you look at him, 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.” “You’re listening to Bruno [Fernandes] saying they’ve been given the freedom to express themselves because they’re good players. And Kobbie is a very, very good player and I’m just pleased we’re seeing that now.” “I think it’s very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim, if we’re going to be totally honest. Because what we seeing now is a Man United youth product not given the opportunity to play and very, very close to leaving the club. He [Mainoo] was brilliant today, magnificent.” Berbatov echoed Wright’s sentiments, adding, “When I was watching him today, not only today, he’s constantly scanning the pitch, constantly scanning where he is, where his teammates are, making that picture in his head so he knows exactly when the ball how to play one touch, two touch.” “He’s very clever slowing the game when the game needs to be slowed down, draw the opposition towards him then pass the ball. This way it frees the space in the opposition half. Again, very happy that he stayed at United, we are not forced to watch him play for another team because now we can see how good he really is and I think he can become even better.” United are next in action on Tuesday when they go away to West Ham. Featured image Gareth Copley via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
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