Mainoo admits to 'difficult times' under Amorim before Carrick revived his United career

Kobbie Mainoo has acknowledged enduring “difficult times” under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, revealing that the Portuguese coach’s inability to fit him into his system left him without a Premier League start until Amorim was sacked in January.

Amorim experimented with the 20-year-old in a variety of roles, at one point deploying him as an emergency striker in a home defeat to Crystal Palace, before eventually setting him up to compete with Bruno Fernandes for a deeper midfield berth. The lack of consistent opportunity left Mainoo’s development stalled in the first half of the season.

Michael Carrick’s arrival as interim manager proved the turning point. Carrick immediately reinstated Mainoo to the starting XI, and the midfielder’s subsequent form was sharp enough to earn him a call-up to England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States.

“Obviously there were difficult times,” Mainoo told England reporters. “But I tried to keep my focus on what was in front of me, take things day by day and just keep working my craft, keep working hard for the team, and I hoped the rest would come. Thankfully it has.”

Mainoo was equally direct in crediting Carrick for his World Cup inclusion. “Definitely, and I told him that I was very grateful,” he said. “Because if he hadn’t put me on the pitch, then I wouldn’t have been here — so I’m always grateful to him for that.”

He also spoke warmly about Carrick’s appointment, saying the squad welcomed it enthusiastically. “We were very happy with it. I love the way he coaches and manages me personally in the team as well. I think everyone in the squad can agree with that. When he officially got the job, we were all so happy.”

Manchester United have since rewarded Mainoo with a new five-year contract, securing his long-term future at Old Trafford. The Stockport-born midfielder had started the Euro 2024 final against Spain and drew widespread praise from then-England manager Gareth Southgate, who suggested the Three Lions had not had a midfield talent of his kind in some time.

Now preparing for his first World Cup, Mainoo is bullish about England’s chances. “One hundred per cent,” he said when asked if England could win the tournament. “I feel like everyone in the squad, staff, everyone believes we can win it. To be here and say that I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable. It’s the biggest tournament in the world.”