The Manchester United legend claims Amorim’s refusal to start the 20-year-old was a fatal mistake, as Thomas Tuchel puts the midfielder back in the England frame.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, labelling the treatment of Kobbie Mainoo as the former manager’s “worst decision.”
Before his sacking on January 5, Amorim failed to hand Mainoo a single Premier League start, a move Neville believes contributed to the Portuguese coach’s downfall. Since Michael Carrick took the reigns, the 20-year-old has become an undisputed starter, driving United to four consecutive victories.
“It Killed Him Publicly”
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville didn’t hold back on how Amorim handled the academy graduate.
“I never liked the handling of Mainoo,” Neville said. “When Amorim said it was a choice between him or Bruno Fernandes, it killed Kobbie publicly. That looks like the worst decision he made.”
Under Amorim, Mainoo’s only significant minutes came in a League Cup tie against Grimsby. The lack of game time led to fears that the youngster would have to leave Old Trafford to save his international career.
The ‘Tuchel’ Effect: Back in the England Frame
The “Carrick Revolution” hasn’t just saved United’s season it has saved Mainoo’s 2026 World Cup dreams. England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Mainoo is officially back in his plans for the upcoming March friendlies.
“It is great that Mainoo is back on the pitch. He is such a huge talent,” Tuchel stated at the Nations League draw. He also noted that United’s switch to a back four under Carrick makes it easier to integrate players like Mainoo, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire into the England structure.
Mainoo’s Redemption:
| Manager | PL Starts (25/26) | Key Outcome |
| Ruben Amorim | 0 | Dropped from England squad |
| Michael Carrick | 5 (Ongoing) | 4 Consecutive Wins; Back in Tuchel’s plans |
What’s Next?
Mainoo will have another chance to prove Amorim wrong when United face Everton next Monday. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, every performance under Carrick is now a statement to Thomas Tuchel that the “wonderkid” is ready for the world stage.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
