Manchester United’s form has improved dramatically under manager Michael Carrick, who has led the team to four consecutive wins since taking over as interim manager, but Ruben Amorim is deeply regretful.
Ruben Amorim left Koby Mainu on the bench during his time as manager (Image: Getty)
Koby Mainu’s resurgence under Manchester United manager Michael Carrick should be embarrassing for Ruben Amorim, according to Ian Wright. Mainu was left on the sidelines during Amorim’s tenure as manager, but played a key role in United’s recovery under Carrick.
United beat Tottenham 2-0 on Saturday, winning their fourth straight game since Carrick took over as caretaker manager last month. Mainou played 90 minutes in all four of Carrick’s games, helping the club consolidate their place in fourth place in the Premier League, defeating Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Spurs.
Back when Amorim was still around, the 20-year-old from United’s academy was keen to join on the January deadline, with Napoli keen to sign him. However, everything changed with the sacking of the Portuguese coach on January 5, with some players making contributions last month with two assists.
Former Arsenal and England striker Wright has always been a fan of Mainu and believes his recent form will boost Carrick’s reputation while also damaging Amorim’s. “Everyone was confused as to what was going on under Ruben Amorim,” Wright said on the Premier League World Show after the win against Spurs.
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“If you look at[Mainuo]a player who has never played before comes into a Man United team that is not doing well. To play in that midfield where there were all these doubts… it’s just quality.
“You hear Bruno (Fernandes) saying they are good players and they have the freedom to express themselves. And Coby is a very, very good player. It’s nice to see that now.”
“If we’re being completely honest, I think it’s very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim because what we saw was a Man United youth player who wasn’t given the chance to play and was on the verge of leaving the club.”
Koby Mainu grew up under Michael Carrick (Image: Mike Morese/Getty Images)
Mainu had grown dissatisfied with his role as substitute under Amorim and wanted to join Napoli and former United teammate Scott McTominay in January. The previous manager preferred a 3-4-3 formation and kept Casemiro and Fernandes on the bench in central midfield, but Carrick settled him alongside the Brazilian in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
“There’s no doubt about Coby’s ability and what he brings,” Carrick said after goals from Brian Mbeumo and Fernandes saw off a 10-man Spurs side. “He’s still very young and still learning the game. He didn’t play for a while after getting really high. It’s easier to think he’s older than he actually is.”
Mainu’s ultimate goal is to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has not played for England since 2024 and faces an uphill battle to displace one of Tuchel’s favorite central midfield players before the tournament begins on June 11.
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