Kobbie Mainoo’s family reacts to Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo’s sister, Ama, appeared to express the family’s delight at Ruben Amorim’s departure from Manchester United through a pointed social media post on Monday, reports BritPanorama.
Following the club’s confirmation of the Portuguese manager’s exit after 14 months in charge, Ama shared an Instagram story featuring American rapper Yung Miami sporting a broad smile. The image seemed to convey the Mainoo family’s satisfaction with the decision to dismiss Amorim, whose tenure left the 20-year-old midfielder marginalised despite being regarded as one of United’s most promising talents.
Although Mainoo has not commented publicly on his former manager’s sacking, it follows a dismal record of 19 defeats from 47 Premier League matches under Amorim. His frustration stemmed largely from a lack of regular playtime, with all 11 of his Premier League appearances this season coming from the bench.
This marked a sharp decline for the Stockport-born talent, who had been a key figure in the 2023-24 season under Erik ten Hag. Mainoo’s rise included scoring the winning goal against Manchester City in last year’s FA Cup final at just 19 years old, after which he secured a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euro 2024 final in Germany.
Amorim’s tactical preference for deploying captain Bruno Fernandes in a deeper midfield position restricted Mainoo’s opportunities. Family dissatisfaction had previously made headlines when Mainoo’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, attended a match wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan “Free Kobbie Mainoo.” Amorim responded to the protest by denouncing what he perceived as a culture of entitlement among younger players at the club. He remarked, “I think it is the feeling of entitlement that we have in our club.”
Despite the restrictions placed on Mainoo, Amorim insisted that the midfielder would not be permitted to leave on loan during the January transfer window, referring to him as “the future of Manchester United.” However, a calf injury sustained before a match last month has kept Mainoo entirely sidelined from recent squads.
The appointment of Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher as interim manager may offer fresh hope for Mainoo. His anticipated 4-3-3 formation could provide the young midfielder with greater opportunities on the pitch, a welcome prospect following a turbulent period under Amorim.
Thus, as Manchester United enters a new chapter, it remains to be seen how quickly Mainoo can reclaim his place among the club’s elite.
