Kobbie Mainoo Reflects on Career Growth at Manchester United

Kobbie Mainoo has established himself as a key part of Michael Carrick’s squad during the second half of the season. Before this, however, under the reigns of Ruben Amorim, the midfielder had struggled for gametime with him largely coming off the bench.

His performances during the second half of the season, under Carrick, have seen him score once (the winning goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford) whilst also providing two assists.

These efforts have seen him rewarded with a new contract, which runs until 2031, whilst also seeing him nominated for the Young Player of the Year award by the Premier League.

Now, with the end of the season approaching, Mainoo has reflected on his experience and has broke his silence on his spell under Ruben Amorim, a period that almost saw him leave Manchester United.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Kobbie Mainoo was asked how close he was to leaving the club. In response, the midfielder explained: “When you’re not playing many games, or any games, you consider all things. But at the forefront of my mind was always to play for Manchester United and continue to play for this club that I’ve grown up at.”

The 21-year-old was also asked whether he was left out because of Ruben Amorim feeling that he did not fit in the system. Responding, Kobbie Mainoo said: “Yeah, when there’s new managers, they have their way that they want to play and if they think you don’t fit that, then you don’t fit that. All I can do is try and work and train to maybe see it in a different light.”

The midfielder also explained that Ruben Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford was a difficult time for him although he leaned on key figures such as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as well as Joshua Zirkzee. “Going from playing nearly every game to not playing as often is always going to be a difficult adjustment.”

“It was good for me in terms of learning [about] myself, the game, and patience. How to schedule my life and how I train and how I work and getting into routines.”

Mainoo added: “It’s difficult when you don’t even come on as a sub of course. But I’d say my family and my friends helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. They knew it would swing back my way at some point, so I just had to be patient.”

From these comments, it is clear to see how Ruben Amorim’s reign at the club negatively impacted the midfielder in ways although was also beneficial as he aims to become even better than he currently is.