Kobbie Mainoo has revealed the mental toll of his benching under Ruben Amorim, admitting he seriously considered leaving Manchester United during the Portuguese manager's reign. The England midfielder was frozen out of the squad after Amorim's arrival introduced a rigid 3-4-2-1 formation that offered little space for the academy graduate, leading the 21-year-old to request a loan move in late summer—a request the club rejected.
Mainoo's fall from favour came as a shock to many. Just two years earlier, he had scored the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City, establishing himself as a key player under Erik ten Hag. When Amorim arrived, the tactical shift relegated him to the periphery. The manager believed Mainoo's profile too closely resembled club captain Bruno Fernandes, viewing the youngster as surplus to requirements rather than integral to his project.
A Difficult Adjustment
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mainoo reflected on those turbulent months: "When you're not playing many games, or any games, you consider all things. But at the forefront of my mind was always to play for Manchester United and continue to play for this club that I've grown up at." The midfielder acknowledged that transitions between managers are common in football, but the shift proved genuinely challenging. "Going from playing nearly every game to not playing as often is always going to be a difficult adjustment," he explained. Support from family and teammates proved crucial in maintaining his resolve during the dark period.
The landscape transformed dramatically in January when Michael Carrick replaced Amorim. Carrick immediately restored Mainoo to midfield prominence, and the results have been staggering. Under the former United captain's guidance, the club has won 10 of their last 15 matches and secured Champions League qualification with a memorable victory over Liverpool—a turnaround that justified the faith shown in the young midfielder.
Carrick's Personal Approach
Mainoo credited Carrick's man-management and tactical expertise for his renaissance. "He's just helped with everything. On the pitch, he's played the same position as me, so just giving me tips and advice on what to do. But also his management of me as a person, asking about family and stuff. Just talking to you like a person, it's not just business," the midfielder revealed. This hands-on coaching style has proven far more effective than Amorim's rigid system, demonstrating how personality alignment between player and manager can determine success.
Mainoo's revival has caught the attention of England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has recalled him for recent international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and a fresh contract now signed at Old Trafford, the midfielder's trajectory points firmly upwards—a vindication of his decision to stay and fight for his place rather than chase temporary solutions through a loan move.
