Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo considered exit under Ruben Amorim
Kobbie Mainoo has revealed he considered leaving Manchester United after being frozen out by former manager Ruben Amorim.
Under the Portuguese coach’s rigid tactical system, the academy graduate failed to register a single Premier League start.
Amorim believed the youngster was only suited to the advanced role occupied by captain Bruno Fernandes.
A loan request from the midfielder was ultimately rejected in the final week of last summer’s transfer window.
Carrick revival and England recall
Amorim was dismissed in January and replaced by Michael Carrick until the end of the current campaign.
The interim boss immediately restored the 21-year-old to his preferred central midfield position.
Since regaining his place, the former FA Cup final match-winner has signed a new long-term contract at Old Trafford.
His outstanding recent form has also been rewarded with a recall to the senior England squad.
‘You consider all things’
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Nottingham Forest, the homegrown talent admitted the prolonged spell on the sidelines tested his resolve.
“When you’re not playing many games, or any games, you consider all things.”
“But at the forefront of my mind was always to play for Manchester United and continue to play for this club that I’ve grown up at.”
When asked if he was simply the wrong fit for the previous tactical setup, the player remained pragmatic.
“Yeah, when there’s new managers, they have their way that they want to play and if they think you don’t fit that, then you don’t fit that.”
Leaning on experienced team-mates
The transition from a guaranteed starter under Erik ten Hag to a fringe player required a significant mental adjustment.
He credited senior figures such as Casemiro alongside close friend Joshua Zirkzee for helping him navigate the difficult period.
“Going from playing nearly every game to not playing as often is always going to be a difficult adjustment.”
“It was good for me in terms of learning about myself, the game, and patience.”
Family support ultimately helped the highly-rated prospect remain focused until his opportunity finally returned under new leadership.
