Harry Maguire Questions Ruben Amorim’s Handling of Kobbie Mainoo as Youngster’s Manchester United Future Comes Into Focus

Harry Maguire has openly criticised former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim over the treatment of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, suggesting the player’s long-term future at the club could have been seriously jeopardised had the Portuguese coach remained in charge.

Mainoo endured a difficult period during the first half of last season, struggling to secure regular minutes under Amorim’s tactical system. The youngster did not start a Premier League match until after the manager’s dismissal in January, with his development appearing to stall under the previous setup.

Amorim, who experimented with multiple formations during his tenure, was unable to settle on a consistent role for Mainoo. Despite trying the midfielder in different positions across the pitch, including more advanced roles and even an unusual deployment as a forward in a home defeat to Crystal Palace in February 2025, Mainoo was never able to establish himself as a regular starter.

Eventually, Amorim’s system prioritised other midfield combinations, with Bruno Fernandes often occupying one of the deeper central roles. This left limited opportunities for Mainoo, who was instead competing for a more defensive position that did not naturally suit his strengths at that stage of his development.

Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Mainoo admitted that the period was mentally difficult but stressed that he remained focused on improving. He explained that he tried to stay patient, work hard in training, and concentrate on his development day by day, trusting that opportunities would eventually come. As the season progressed, those opportunities did arrive.

Following Amorim’s departure, interim manager Michael Carrick took charge and immediately reinstated Mainoo into the starting lineup. The change had a significant impact on the midfielder’s confidence and performances, with his form in the second half of the season improving dramatically.

So impressive was his resurgence that Mainoo ultimately earned a place in England’s World Cup squad, marking a major milestone in his career and underlining his rapid rise when given consistent playing time.

However, according to Harry Maguire, the situation could have developed very differently had Amorim remained in charge at Old Trafford. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Maguire suggested that Mainoo’s lack of opportunities was largely a result of tactical structure rather than the player’s ability.

He explained that Amorim’s preferred system relied heavily on a midfield two, with Bruno Fernandes occupying one of those roles. The remaining position, Maguire said, was intended to be more defensively oriented, which limited opportunities for a younger, less experienced player like Mainoo.

Maguire added that at the time, Mainoo was still developing his understanding of the role and adapting to the physical and tactical demands of senior football. As a result, he found himself pushed down the pecking order despite his natural talent.

The defender went further, suggesting that if Amorim had stayed at the club, Mainoo may have been forced to seek a move elsewhere in order to find regular playing time. He argued that such an outcome would have been a significant loss for Manchester United, given the midfielder’s academy background and long-term potential.

According to Maguire, players like Mainoo are exactly the type of homegrown talents United should be building around for the future. He stressed the importance of academy graduates in driving the club forward over the next decade and expressed hope that Mainoo would remain a central figure in that vision.

He also praised the young midfielder’s character and development, noting that his performances improved significantly in the latter stages of the season. Maguire highlighted Mainoo’s composure on the ball, physical strength, and growing confidence in midfield duels as key strengths that have begun to emerge more consistently.

In addition, he pointed out that Mainoo is still physically developing and gaining experience at the highest level. According to Maguire, as the midfielder matures and becomes more familiar with his preferred position, his overall performance level is expected to rise even further.

Mainoo himself had previously acknowledged that he considered leaving on loan during the final week of the previous summer transfer window due to limited opportunities. However, Manchester United rejected the request, choosing to retain him within the squad despite his frustration at the time.

That decision has since been viewed as significant, particularly given how his performances improved once he began receiving regular minutes under Carrick’s leadership.

With Carrick now expected to continue in charge for a full season, optimism around Mainoo’s role in the squad has increased considerably. The new managerial direction appears to favour his inclusion, and the midfielder is expected to play a far more prominent part moving forward.

Mainoo has also spoken positively about Carrick’s influence, praising his coaching style and the way he manages players individually within the squad. He previously noted that the entire dressing room responded well to Carrick’s appointment, expressing collective satisfaction when he was confirmed in charge.

Looking ahead, expectations are high that Mainoo will continue to develop into a key figure for Manchester United. His blend of technical ability, composure under pressure, and adaptability in midfield positions makes him a valuable asset for both the present and the future.

Maguire’s comments have added further attention to the debate over how young players are managed at elite clubs, particularly when tactical systems do not immediately align with their strengths. In Mainoo’s case, however, the shift in management has already proven transformative, giving him the platform to establish himself as one of the club’s most promising emerging talents.