Speaking on "The Rest Is Football" podcast, former England international Gary Lineker joked he would consider suing Ruben Amorim if he were Kobbie Mainoo. Lineker stated that Amorim's treatment of Mainoo in the season's first half was inexplicable and detrimental to the 20-year-old midfielder's career.
"If I were Kobbie Mainoo, I'd think about whether to sue Amorim, just kidding of course", Lineker said. "The Portuguese coach took a year out of this boy's career. He is an excellent player, incredibly smooth on the ball".
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Gary Lineker (center) on a podcast discussing Kobbie Mainoo and Ruben Amorim on 9/2/2026. *Photo: Sun Sport*
Amorim largely excluded Mainoo from his plans before the club sacked the 40-year-old coach on 5/1. During Amorim's tenure at Man Utd this season, Mainoo did not make a single start in the Premier League. This contrasted sharply with the 20-year-old midfielder's previous role as a key choice for the England national team at Euro 2024, where he started in the final against Spain.
According to Lineker, Mainoo possesses all the qualities of a top midfielder. "He always wants the ball, receives it in tight spaces, turns, and makes sound decisions. His playing style is fluid", he analyzed. "Amorim harmed him".
Since Carrick took over, Mainoo immediately returned to the starting lineup in all four recent Premier League matches. Man Utd won all four games, climbing to the top 4. In the 2-0 victory against Tottenham, the Old Trafford crowd even gave Mainoo a standing ovation when he left the field late in the game for his impressive performance.
Lineker believes that if Mainoo continues his current form, he will have a strong chance to return to the England national team, though coach Thomas Tuchel has not called him up since 9/2024. "I believe Mainoo will feature in the 2026 World Cup, provided he stays healthy and plays regularly, because this player is excellent", the 65-year-old former striker added.
Lineker also mentioned the "Free Kobbie Mainoo" t-shirt Mainoo's brother wore in the Old Trafford stands in December. "His brother got into trouble for that, but it was justified", he continued. "It's impossible to understand what Amorim was thinking".
Under Amorim, Man Utd was steadfast with a 3-4-3 system, which meant Mainoo could not find a suitable position. The Portuguese coach prioritized using Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield. Manuel Ugarte often replaced Casemiro, while Mainoo was Fernandes' backup option. However, the Man Utd captain usually played the full match, leaving Mainoo with little playing time.
Man Utd is preparing to offer Mainoo a contract extension, as his current deal expires in the summer of 2027. With his current salary of only 34,000 USD per week, the 20-year-old midfielder would receive a substantial pay increase if he agrees to sign a new deal.
Hoang An (according to talkSPORT)
