Mainoo credits Carrick for World Cup place after difficult spell under Amorim at United

Kobbie Mainoo has acknowledged the turbulent first half of his season at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, saying he would have been forced to leave his boyhood club had the Portuguese manager not been dismissed in January.

Amorim struggled to find a consistent role for the 20-year-old midfielder during his time in charge, trialling him in various positions — including a brief and ill-fated experiment as a makeshift striker in a home defeat to Crystal Palace. Mainoo was ultimately cast as a competitor to Bruno Fernandes for a deeper midfield berth, and did not start a Premier League match under Amorim at all before the manager’s departure.

Speaking to England reporters in the United States ahead of this summer’s World Cup, Mainoo reflected on that period with measured honesty. “I mean, obviously there were difficult times,” he said. “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.”

Michael Carrick, appointed as interim manager following Amorim’s sacking, immediately reinstated Mainoo to the starting eleven. The midfielder’s form in the second half of the campaign was strong enough to earn him a spot in England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in the United States.

Mainoo was unequivocal in crediting Carrick for that opportunity. “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 becoming permanent. “We were very happy with it, obviously, 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 handed Mainoo a new five-year contract, though according to the Manchester Evening News, his departure would have been likely had Amorim remained in post.

Now focused on the tournament ahead, Mainoo expressed full belief in England’s chances of lifting the trophy. “One hundred per cent,” he said. “I feel like everyone in the squad, staff, everyone believes we can win it. But that doesn’t come easy. It’s very special, something I’ve dreamed of, and I’m sure all the players have dreamed of since they were really young. So to be here and say that I’m playing in a World Cup is unbelievable.”

Mainoo started in England’s Euro 2024 final against Spain, where he caught the eye of then-manager Gareth Southgate, who praised him as a generational talent throughout that tournament.