Manchester United’s match-winner against Liverpool, Kobbie Mainoo, appeared to take a thinly veiled swipe at former manager Ruben Amorim while praising the transformative impact of Michael Carrick.
Speaking to Sky Sports following his stunning 77th-minute decider at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old midfielder spoke glowingly of the connection between the current squad and their head coach.
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Kobbie Mainoo praises Michael Carrick after Manchester United win
Mainoo, who has been the standout performer since Carrick took the reins in January 2026, highlighted the shift in atmosphere at Carrington.
“He’s played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players,” Mainoo said, visibly emotional after the 3-2 victory.
“You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch.”
The comments have been interpreted by many as a reflection of the fractured relationship between the squad and Amorim, whose 14-month tenure ended abruptly on January 5.
While the Portuguese manager struggled to find consistency, leaving the club in sixth place, Carrick has revitalised the side, leading them on a charge that has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table.
Ruben Amorim struggled to get the best out of Kobbie Mainoo
The contrast in Mainoo’s role under the two managers is striking. Despite being regarded as one of United’s brightest young talents, he was largely overlooked by Amorim, playing just 212 minutes of Premier League football in the first half of the campaign.
It reached a point that Mainoo was even considering a move to Napoli in the January window to secure first-team football.
However, since Carrick’s appointment on January 13, Mainoo has become central to United’s system, starting 12 of the manager’s first 13 matches in charge.
Carrick has built his approach around Mainoo’s composure, intelligence, and passing range, qualities that were previously underutilised.
Mainoo’s decisive display against Liverpool now stands as a powerful statement of Carrick’s faith, while also highlighting what Manchester United risked losing under the previous regime.
With the midfielder now committing his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract, United have secured one of their most important players for years to come.
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