Harry Maguire hails “brilliant” Amorim reject who has been transformed by Carrick’s revolution

One of the key features of Manchester United’s blockbuster run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick has been a resurgent Kobbie Mainoo orchestrating the midfield. The English manager took charge of the Red Devils last month as a temporary replacement for former head coach Ruben Amorim, who was removed from his position at the turn of the year.

The Portuguese’s 14-month chaotic reign had more lows than highs, including the 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season and the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. It also marked Mainoo’s loss of prominence, especially since the beginning of this season.

Once considered United team’s rising star, the English midfielder failed to start a Premier League game under Amorim this season. He was heavily tipped to leave in search of greener pastures in January, before the Portuguese head coach’s departure put an abrupt stop to those rumours.

Carrick immediately brought the 20 year old back to the fore and he has been indispensable so far, starting every game under the Englishman.

Outstanding against Tottenham Hotspur

After helping United pick up three points against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham, Mainoo put in a masterclass against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend. The Englishman started in midfield alongside Casemiro, and ran the show until he was replaced by Tyler Fletcher in the second minute of second-half injury time.

By then, Mainoo had registered 35 passes in the final third, completing all but two of them, which was the highest in the Premier League at the weekend. The youngster also set up Bryan Mbeumo’s opener, which was his second assist in four starts under Carrick.

Kobbie Mainoo Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Premier League website.

From being a peripheral figure under Amorim to becoming the cornerstone of Carrick’s marauding Red Devils, Mainoo’s life has taken an astonishing turn in less than a year. The player’s efforts have now earned him praise from his club and country teammate Harry Maguire.

Maguire hails Mainoo’s brilliance

Speaking to Owen Hargreaves for TNT Sports Football, Maguire hailed Mainoo’s brilliance, while also aiming a subtle dig at Amorim’s obsession with structure. He said: “He has been brilliant. We know what Kobbie can do, he can take the ball for us under pressure, he is brilliant on the ball, he can get out of tight spaces.”

“I always say as a footballer, if the structure is good, you can perform, you can look like a good player, but the structure’s got to be good around you.”

Hargreaves, of course, has previously stated that the youngster reminds him of United legend George Best. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Red Devils are already planning to tie Mainoo down to a new deal, which should end any speculation regarding his future.

Final Thoughts

Mainoo starred in the 2024 FA Cup final, helping United secure a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Manchester City and was also part of England’s starting XI in the Euro 2024 final, which they lost to Spain. The English midfielder was expected to usher in a new era under former manager Erik ten Hag, but the Dutchman’s departure temporarily derailed his career.

Nevertheless, Mainoo is back to his best, and is showing the world why he has been coveted at Carrington for years. With Casemiro set to depart once his contract expires this summer, the Red Devils must now ensure they find a suitable partner for the youngster and tie him down to a new long-term deal too.

Kobbie Mainoo completed more final third passes than any other player in the Premier League in GW25.

◎ 35 attempted
◉ 33 completed

He also provided the assist for the opener. https://t.co/7hgMqSnghJ pic.twitter.com/QeOrj3EYbC

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 9, 2026

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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