Gary Lineker has slammed ex-Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim for being ‘detrimental’ to one player’s career at Old Trafford.
Manchester United appear to be in a strong position under Michael Carrick after securing four consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Those results have firmly placed the Reds in the top-four conversation, with the added advantage of playing just once a week due to their absence from European competition.
The side seems to be reaping the rewards of a managerial change. Under the previous regime, questions were often raised about whether the squad was well suited to Ruben Amorim’s tactical demands.
Now, there is a clear sense of unity within the team, and Carrick is getting the best out of several of United’s key players.
Lineker slams Amorim for being ‘detrimental’ to Mainoo
One of the club’s best performers in these last few games has been Kobbie Mainoo, who has come back into the side following Amorim’s dismissal.
Mainoo had not started any of the opening 21 Premier League fixtures under the Portuguese head coach but is now being trusted by Amorim.
Gary Lineker has praised the 20-year-old and joked that he should consider suing Amorim as he was ‘detrimental’ to his development over the last 18 months.
“Mainoo, and I say this in jest, I’d be thinking about whether I should sue him or not,” he said on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“I mean, he’s taken a year out of that kid’s career. This kid is a wonderful footballer. I mean, God, he makes it look so easy.
“Once the boy receives it with anyone around him and he turns, [he] always makes the right decisions. He’s graceful.
“He’s been absolutely detrimental to his career. I mean, if he doesn’t make the World Cup squad, and I sense he probably [can] if he can stay fit and if he keeps playing because he’s just a seriously good footballer.
“I mean, I know his brother got in a bit of trouble, didn’t he? For saying with a T-shirt, ‘Free Kobbie.’ But he has absolutely got a point. His brother, I think he was, I mean, there are so many things.”
Mainoo proving Amorim wrong every game
Every game it seems like Mainoo is proving Amorim more wrong. The fact that he was competing for a place in the team with Bruno Fernandes was mind-boggling.
Criticisms of his lack of athleticism have been swept under the carpet too. Mainoo has shown that he is perfectly capable out of possession in a smart midfield setup.
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The engine room was the biggest problem under Amorim and it has suddenly become the standout part of Carrick’s rejuvenated team.
Fortunately for Mainoo, he is part of that team and will continue to get consistent minutes at Old Trafford going forwards.
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