Harry Maguire was among the relieved Manchester United players when Kobbie Mainoo signed a new contract to remain at the club after a challenging spell under former head coach Ruben Amorim.
There’s no denying that Kobbie Mainoo’s future would look very different if Ruben Amorim hadn’t been sent his marching orders at Manchester United.
In the first half of the 2025/26 season, Amorim overlooked Mainoo, who requested to leave Old Trafford on loan last summer to get regular game time.
Everything changed – for the better – when Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach. Not only did United start winning matches consistently enough to finish third in the Premier League, but Mainoo also returned to the team after making his first league start of the campaign in January.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Harry Maguire feared for Kobbie Mainoo’s Man Utd future under Ruben Amorim
After displaying a resurgence of top form, Mainoo got the nod over Adam Wharton for a place in the England squad at the 2026 World Cup.
The United academy graduate has yet to make his first appearance at a World Cup, but he will be hoping for an opportunity in England’s second group match against Ghana on Tuesday night.
On the latest episode of The Rest is Football on Netflix, Maguire shares his honest opinion on what would have happened with Mainoo’s future had Amorim remained in charge of the team.
Maguire explains how Amorim was set on his preferred formation, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro being his two primary midfielders.
Gary Lineker asked Maguire why Amorim didn’t trust Mainoo, and whether the United defender was baffled – like everyone else from outside the dressing room?
“I think it all stemmed down to that we played a formation where it was two (in midfield) and he wanted Bruno to be one of those two,” Maguire said.
“I think he wanted a real defensive one alongside Bruno, and Kobbie was young, inexperienced and didn’t know the position as well.
“If Ruben was still the manager now, Kobbie would probably have been shifted on and be looking for a new club.
“It would have been a mistake; he’s a Manchester lad, he’s come through the academy, and we want those players in our club to drive our club forward for the next 10 years. Hopefully he’s at the club for the next 10 years because he has the ability to do so.”
Last week, Amorim was appointed AC Milan head coach, which will be his first job since getting sacked at Old Trafford.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Harry Maguire says Kobbie Mainoo would have been sold if Ruben Amorim remained at Manchester United
- Mainoo was one of United’s best players under Michael Carrick
- The academy graduate has since signed a new deal to stay at Old Trafford
Man Utd have FINALLY acquired the land to build the new stadium – What is your reaction?
Harry Maguire says Kobbie Mainoo is among Man Utd’s best players
Maguire puts Mainoo up there with Fernandes when talking about United’s best players last season.
Fernandes won the Premier League Player of the Season award, but Mainoo’s influence in the team throughout the second half of the season shouldn’t be underestimated.
The experienced United centre-back added: “I think he was a top player before the last three months of the season, but the last couple of months, he’s arguably, him and Bruno, been our best players.
“He held everything together, so good on the ball, he takes the ball, he’s strong, he’s looking more athletic, he’s still young, he can grow into his body, he’s still going to get experience and he has to learn the position and when he learns the position he will become even better. I believe he will have such a wonderful career.”
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