Former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim left Koby Mainu on the sidelines, with his replacement Michael Carrick quickly reintegrating him into the team.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been criticized for his treatment of Koby Mainu (Image: Getty)
Steven Gerrard has criticized Ruben Amorim, claiming his treatment of Koby Mainu was “insane”.
The former Manchester United manager took over a team where Mainoo burst onto the scene and became a regular under his predecessor Erik ten Hag.
However, manager Amorim decided to demote him to a team player rather than make him a key player in the United team. Before Amorim brought him out of his misery at Old Trafford in January, Mainu had not started a single Premier League game all season and only played 90 minutes once, in the Carabao Cup.
As a result, Mainu started for the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final, and although he shone throughout the tournament, he was left out of the England squad. There has also been widespread speculation that he could leave his boyhood team, with Napoli and others reportedly interested.
However, since Amorim was replaced by Michael Carrick in early 2026, the midfielder’s fortunes have reversed. He has started all 10 games under Carrick and has picked up more points than any other side in the Premier League.
read more: Manchester United, Hansi Flick gives update on Marcus Rashford transfer schedule from Barcelonaread more: Matheus Cunha responds to Manchester United complaint and Harry Maguire outrage
He has rejoined Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, having been named on Friday, and is set to board a plane to North America for this summer’s World Cup.
Former England captain Gerrard believes Maynou will be in Tuchel’s final team, but has slammed his former manager’s treatment.
“I was really disappointed in terms of this kid’s career under Amorim,” he said on TNT Sports. “I think it was extraordinary that he wasn’t given any chances, especially because Man United were so inconsistent.
Follow Man United’s FB page! Keep up with the latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Steven Gerrard says Maynou will be included in England’s World Cup squad (Image: TNT Sports)
“But I’m not surprised that Michael Carrick (started playing with him). I think it was one of those straight-up wins, if you will, if you take the job. Bring Koby Mainu back, give him a smile, give him game time and minutes, get him healthy and get him up to the speed that we all know he can play.”
“He’s at a level where he should be in the England squad now. He doesn’t need to worry about Amorim not playing with him. As long as he’s playing regularly for Man United, he can be in the England squad.”
As well as returning to England’s set-up, Mainu appears set to sign a new contract with United. His current contract was due to end next summer, but had not been renewed to reflect his current position at the club.
But it is now understood that he is expected to extend that deal and remain at United on a long-term deal until 2031.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
