Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2:18 p.m. / Updated Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2:23 p.m.
Kobbie Mainoo (21), his midfielder Manchester Unitedspoke about his difficult time under Ruben Amorim, admitting that being forgotten on the bench has made him reconsider his future at Old Trafford.
The England international, who was frequently on the bench during the Portuguese manager's tenure, is now in for a good spell with the arrival of Michael Carrick.
Kobbie Mainoo: “I considered leaving Manchester United”
Mainoo's rise suffered a significant setback with the arrival of Amorim which saw the system change to 3-4-3 where the young club formation seemed to have no place.
The 21-year-old midfielder has found himself sidelined, failing to make a Premier League start under the former Sporting boss. The situation became so critical that Mainoo asked for a loan in the last week of the summer transfer window, but the club opposed the departure.
In a statement given to Sky Sports, Mainoo admitted that the lack of minutes forced him to reassess his career. “When you don't play many games, or at all, you consider all options. But in my mind, the priority has always been to play for Manchester United and stay at this club where I grew up,” he said.
However, the player seemed to accept the coach's view at the time. “When new coaches come in, they have their own style of play and if they think you don't fit in, then you don't fit in. All I can do is try to work and train so that maybe they see things differently,” explained Mainoo.
The midfielder said his family and teammates helped him stay focused. “Going from playing almost every game to not playing as often is always a difficult adjustment. It's complicated when you're not even coming on as a substitute, of course. But I'd say my family and friends helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
Kobbie Mainoo and Ruben Amorim / Imago Images
The situation changed radically with the return of Michael Carrick in January. The former United captain brought Mainoo, whom he praised, back into the starting eleven. “He helped me in everything. On the field, he played the same position as me, so he gives me advice. And even in managing me as a person, he asks about my family and stuff. He talks to you as a person. That definitely helps a player,” he added.
His good form has earned him a call-up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel for the recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, putting him in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup. With a new contract signed, the aim is to finish the season well to secure a place at the final tournament.
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