Former Manchester United defender and prominent pundit Gary Neville has launched a scathing critique of ex-Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim, accusing him of effectively 'killing' the career of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during his tenure at Old Trafford. Neville's comments highlight a significant period of frustration for the highly-rated England international, who reportedly sought a departure from the club due to limited opportunities under Amorim's management.
Amorim's Controversial Handling of Mainoo
According to Neville, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Amorim's public declaration that Mainoo was competing directly with club captain Bruno Fernandes for a starting position was a detrimental move. 'I never liked the handling of that,' Neville stated. 'When he said at the start of the season that it was him or Bruno, I never agreed with that. It killed Kobbie Mainoo. It killed him publicly.' This approach, coupled with Mainoo's sparse appearances—largely restricted to a cup match against Grimsby—created a challenging environment for the academy graduate.
Transfer Turmoil and Ratcliffe's Intervention
The situation escalated to the point where Mainoo, eager for more game-time to bolster his chances for the upcoming World Cup, considered a January transfer move. Napoli were among approximately twelve clubs interested in securing his signature, with talks occurring six months prior. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a key figure at Manchester United, intervened last summer to block Mainoo's exit. Neville suggested that had Mainoo renewed his transfer request this month, Ratcliffe would have faced a difficult decision, potentially leading to the midfielder's departure.
Post-Amorim Revival Under Carrick
Fortunes have shifted dramatically for Mainoo following Amorim's dismissal earlier in January, after a disappointing 14-month reign. Under caretaker manager Michael Carrick, Mainoo has started in recent victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, showcasing his talent and revitalising his prospects at the club. Carrick had previously praised Mainoo, describing him as a player United could 'build a team around,' and his increased involvement has helped propel the Red Devils back into Champions League contention ahead of their match against Fulham.
Broader Impact on Manchester United
Mainoo is not the only beneficiary of Amorim's departure; the team has shown marked improvement with impressive wins that have lifted morale and league standing. This resurgence underscores the importance of managerial decisions in player development and team dynamics. As Manchester United looks to maintain momentum, the focus remains on nurturing talents like Mainoo, whose future now appears brighter in the post-Amorim era.
