Ruben Amorim has been sacked as Manchester United manager, and for many observers both inside and outside Old Trafford, the decision felt inevitable rather than surprising.
For Kobbie Mainoo, however, this moment could prove to be genuinely career-defining.
Initially, many football fans were expecting Ruben Amorim to take Kobbie Mainoo’s career to the next level.
Almost immediately after Amorim’s dismissal, football fans began reading between the lines.
Many interpreted Mainoo’s reaction as quiet relief — and, to some, even subtle celebration — following the manager’s departure. Mainoo appeared to like an Instagram post poking fun at Amorim’s sacking, and to many fans, his subtle reaction felt like the natural response of a talented player who had been unfairly sidelined.
The perception gained momentum after a widely shared moment on X, quickly turned into a meme, capturing what many fans saw as Mainoo’s emotional response to the news (view here).
Intentional or not, these online reactions spoke volumes.
Amorim’s time at Manchester United raised serious questions about his understanding of who Kobbie Mainoo is, what Kobbie Mainoo’s position truly is, and how best to manage one of the most gifted young midfielders in English football.
Let us us be real here, Amorim’s departure now removes a significant obstacle and opens the door for United to finally unlock Mainoo’s full potential.
This article explains who Kobbie Mainoo is and what his current team is, why his development stalled under Ruben Amorim, and why the future at Manchester United suddenly looks bright again.
Football fans who have been backing Kobbie Mainoo finally have a reason to celebrate after Amorim’s sacking — keep reading to see why!⚡🙌
Who Is Kobbie Mainoo and What Is His Current Team?
Kobbie Mainoo is widely regarded as one of the most exciting young midfielders in both English and European football.
A product of the Manchester United academy, Mainoo represents a rare modern success story from the club’s youth system.
In fact, he stands as the most significant academy breakthrough since Marcus Rashford, with both players eventually finding themselves on the receiving end of Ruben Amorim’s rigid and unforgiving management style.
Mainoo’s pathway to senior football was carefully managed under former manager Erik ten Hag, who clearly understood the player’s strengths, temperament, and tactical profile.
Ten Hag introduced him gradually, allowing confidence and composure to develop naturally rather than forcing responsibility too early.
While Ten Hag made some high-profile errors at Manchester United — like benching Cristiano Ronaldo — he got it spot on with Kobbie Mainoo. That trust? It paid off big time.
Kobbie Mainoo made his Premier League debut in February 2023, aged just 17 years and 10 months, during a 3–0 victory over Leicester City. From that point on, his trajectory appeared upward and stable.
His current team remains Manchester United, though his role under the previous manager had become increasingly uncertain.
Kobbie Mainoo’s Background and Rise
Mainoo’s rise was built on patience, discipline, and trust. We could often see Mainoo working hard even when he had been relegated to the bench.
Under Ten Hag, he was allowed to learn the demands of elite football gradually, without being rushed or misprofiled. That steady development was abruptly disrupted when Ten Hag was dismissed following a run of poor results and replaced by Ruben Amorim in November 2024.
What followed was a sharp contrast in player management philosophy — and it was during this period that Mainoo’s problems truly began.
Kobbie Mainoo Position: A Natural Number 6
Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of Kobbie Mainoo’s game under Ruben Amorim was his playing position.
Kobbie Mainoo is, first and foremost, a defensive midfielder — a natural number 6 — who can also operate as a central midfielder when required.
Mainoo’s positional discipline, calmness in possession, and ability to control the tempo of matches from deep areas make him ideally suited to that role. It should be clear to everyone: Mainoo is primarily a defensive midfielder, and only then a central midfielder.
Positional-wise, Mainoo operates like Xavi, Paul Scholes, Martin Zubimendi, and Rodri — all classic number 6s. Stylistically, he can step into a number 8 role similar to Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimarães, but with even greater positional discipline.
Mainoo understands when to step forward and, just as importantly, when to hold his ground. That balance — particularly at such a young age — is one of his most defining qualities.
In terms of positioning, Mainoo operates much deeper on the pitch than players like Declan Rice, Bruno Fernandes, or Liverpool’s McAllister.
Interestingly, Amorim himself acknowledged this strength, stating:
“He is really good at controlling the game.”
Yet despite this admission, Amorim repeatedly questioned Mainoo’s suitability as a number 8, creating confusion around whether the manager truly understood the player’s profile at all.
Why Ruben Amorim Misjudged Kobbie Mainoo
Amorim frequently criticised Mainoo for not reaching the opposition box often enough and for failing to recover quickly back into midfield — an expectation that makes little sense for a natural number 6.
Traditionally, number 8s are expected to cover more ground vertically, while number 6s sit deeper, dictate tempo, recycle possession, and shield the defence.
At Arsenal, for example, Martin Zubimendi holds his position while Declan Rice roams forward. At Liverpool, Ryan Gravenberch sits back while Alexis Mac Allister is afforded more freedom.
Mainoo’s style of play aligns closely with midfielders like Ryan Gravenberch and Martin Zubimendi. If we compare him to a prime Barcelona midfield, he embodies more of Xavi’s controlling influence than Iniesta’s attacking flair.
Amorim also claimed that Mainoo “passes the ball and goes away,” a criticism that fundamentally misunderstands the role of a defensive midfielder. A number 6 is supposed to maintain structure, retain possession, and protect the back line — all areas where Mainoo excels.
The Bruno Fernandes Confusion
One of the most controversial assertions made by Ruben Amorim was that Kobbie Mainoo was competing with Bruno Fernandes for the same position.
This baffled fans and pundits alike.
Bruno Fernandes has long been regarded as a number 10 or advanced attacking midfielder, valued for goals, assists, and final-third creativity.
Mainoo, by contrast, is a true controller — a player who brings balance rather than chaos. His calmness on the ball and impeccable timing when moving forward are among his greatest strengths. He is not the type to surge forward constantly; that simply isn’t his profile
Even Rio Ferdinand openly questioned Amorim’s logic:
“He is fighting a losing battle… Bruno has been the talisman for this team for years.”
The overwhelming consensus among supporters was clear: Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes can comfortably coexist in the same midfield, rather than compete for identical roles.
Kobbie Mainoo Stats and the Decline in Game Time
The statistical drop-off under Amorim tells a worrying story.
2023–24 Season:
- 24 Premier League starts
- 1,940 EPL minutes
- 3 goals, 1 assist
- 6 FA Cup appearances, 2 goals
2024–25 Season:
- 25 Premier League appearances
- 1,656 minutes
2025–26 Season (under Amorim):
- 11 appearances
- All from the bench
- Just 212 minutes played
This dramatic reduction in minutes sparked the “Free Kobbie Mainoo” movement among fans — a sentiment publicly echoed by his brother, who was seen wearing a “Free Kobbie Mainoo” shirt while Amorim was still in charge.
Recently, Mainoo’s sister appears to have joined the chorus of family members and fans critical of Amorim’s handling of Kobbie, judging by her online activity following the manager’s sacking
Why Amorim’s Alternatives Failed to Justify Benching Mainoo
Amorim instead favoured Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro, yet results failed to improve.
By December 2025:
- Manchester United had conceded 14 of their 23 goals with Ugarte on the pitch
- The club lost every match Ugarte started
- His performances against Aston Villa and West Ham were widely criticised
If Mainoo’s quality was deemed “not enough,” fans reasonably asked what that said about the alternatives.
As one fan put it bluntly: ‘If you can’t coach Kobbie Mainoo properly, the problem isn’t him — it’s you!
Age, Patience, and Squad Planning
Kobbie Mainoo is 20 years old.
Ugarte is 24 and cost over £40 million. Casemiro is 33.
Logic suggests Mainoo should have been developed as Casemiro’s long-term successor, not sidelined. Development cannot happen from the bench. Some Manchester United fans already think Mainoo is better than Casemiro.
Fan Reaction and the “Whiplash” Moment
Concerns intensified when Mainoo shared an image from the film Whiplash — a story centred on young talent enduring extreme pressure without losing passion.
Fan pages, pundits, and even rival supporters rallied behind him. Arsenal fans openly praised his ability. England supporters questioned his omission from squads.
Performances That Proved His Quality
Whenever given opportunities, Mainoo delivered.
Against Grimsby:
- 1 assist
- 54 completed passes
- 100% success in tackles and aerial duels
- 12 final-third passes
Against Manchester City:
- Immediate impact off the bench
- Nutmegged Nico González, leaving Pep Guardiola visibly stunned
Paul Scholes summed it up perfectly:
“We thought, ‘wow, what a player’.”
Kobbie Mainoo’s Style of Play
Mainoo dictates tempo, breaks lines from deep, and plays with composure far beyond his years. Players of this profile are rare. Systems should adapt to them — not exclude them.
Any incoming Manchester United manager should seriously consider building the midfield around Kobbie Mainoo. Some Manchester United fans see Mainoo’s style of play similar to that of Barcelona’s Pedri and its hard to argue against that.
Transfers, Contracts, and the Bigger Picture
Interest from Chelsea and Barcelona has already been reported. Losing Mainoo would devastate the fanbase.
Kobbie Mainoo Contract
Kobbie Mainoo’s current contract at Manchester United runs until 2027. He is on a four-year deal, with the club holding an option to extend for an additional year — an option United are widely expected to trigger especially now that Amorim is no longer in charge.
However, if that extension is not activated and no new long-term agreement is reached, Mainoo could enter the final year of his contract and potentially become a free agent in 2028, allowing him to leave Manchester United at no cost.
As contracts near expiry, a player’s market valuation — based purely on remaining years — typically drops, making Mainoo an increasingly attractive target for rival clubs monitoring the situation closely.
Kobbie Mainoo Salary
Kobbie Mainoo currently earns £20,000 per week, meaning his Kobbie Mainoo salary per week translates to an estimated annual income of approximately £520,000.
That figure reflects his status as a young academy graduate who has yet to sign multiple senior professional contracts, regardless of his obvious quality.
Most football fans agree that, based purely on talent, composure, and influence, Mainoo is already performing at a level that warrants significantly higher earnings. His relatively modest wage could therefore act as a loophole — one that makes him an appealing target for clubs willing to offer a far more lucrative long-term deal.
Kobbie Mainoo Shirt Number
Kobbie Mainoo currently wears jersey number 37, the squad number assigned to him upon his promotion to the first team.
As his importance continues to grow, a move toward a more traditional midfield number — such as 6 or 8 — would feel natural. However, the number 8 is currently worn by Bruno Fernandes, while the number 6 belongs to Lisandro Martínez, meaning any change would depend on broader squad reshuffling.
For now, number 37 remains synonymous with Mainoo’s breakthrough period.
Kobbie Mainoo Squad Number History
There is no historical or symbolic significance behind the number 37. It appears to have been a standard squad allocation in 2023, with the expectation that Mainoo would make it iconic through performance rather than tradition.
At academy level, he previously wore number 73. While many fans believe he already merits a lower squad number, his ability has never been defined by digits on his back.
Commercial Profile and Fan Engagement
Where Can I Buy Jerseys With Kobbie Mainoo’s Name?
Official Kobbie Mainoo jerseys are available through several authorised retailers. The primary source remains the Manchester United Official Store, offering home, away, and third kits for men, women, and children, all with official Mainoo #37 printing.
Additional retailers include DAZN Official Online Store, Fanatics, World Soccer Shop, UK Soccer Shop, and the Sky Sports Shop, all of which stock officially licensed products.
Which Retailers Sell Official Kobbie Mainoo Merchandise?
Official merchandise can be purchased through:
- Manchester United Official Store
- England FA Official Store (Englandstore.com)
- Fanatics
- Sky Sports Shop, DAZN, and World Soccer Shop
Department stores such as Macy’s may occasionally stock official adidas kits. Collectors can explore authenticated memorabilia from Firma Stella, AAA Sports Memorabilia, and The Vault.
What Brands or Companies Sponsor Kobbie Mainoo?
Mainoo’s rise has attracted major brands.
Individual Sponsorships:
- Beats by Dre — Joined the global athlete roster in May 2025
- Nando’s (Reported) — Discussions reported following his England call-up
Club-Related Brand Associations:
- Adidas
- Snapdragon (Qualcomm)
- DXC Technology
- Tezos
- Coca-Cola
Sports Apparel Deal:
Kobbie Mainoo’s primary sports apparel sponsor is Nike. He is a Nike brand ambassador and regularly wears Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite boots. Manchester United’s Adidas deal does not affect his personal sponsorships.
Where Can I Watch Kobbie Mainoo’s Highlights Online?
You can watch Kobbie Mainoo’s standout performances and skill displays through several X posts:
- Kobbie Mainoo’s Man of the Match performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final
- A brief compilation of Kobbie Mainoo’s 2023–2024 season
- Kobbie Mainoo’s ball carrying and press-resistant skills
- An example of Kobbie Mainoo’s finishing in the box against Liverpool at just 17 years old
- Impressive play against top opposition — Liverpool
- Another brilliant Mainoo performance
These clips showcase his composure, tactical intelligence, and technical ability, proving why he is one of Manchester United’s brightest young midfield prospects.
What Social Media Channels Does Kobbie Mainoo Use?
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kobbie/
Why Amorim’s Sacking Is Great News for Kobbie Mainoo
With Ruben Amorim gone, Manchester United finally have the opportunity to reset — tactically and philosophically.
For Kobbie Mainoo, this could mean:
- A manager who understands his true position
- A clearer development pathway
- The chance to become the midfield general fans always believed he could be
Sometimes, the best thing for a player isn’t a new club — but a new manager.
And for Kobbie Mainoo, that moment appears to have finally arrived and it is easy to see why the young exciting player is happy with the managerial change at Manchester United.
Conclusion:
Ruben Amorim’s departure could mark the start of a golden era for Kobbie Mainoo. At just 20 years old, he already commands the attention of top clubs and global brands, yet the most important factor is opportunity.
With the right manager at Manchester United, Mainoo could finally dominate midfield, earn the recognition his talent demands, and cement his legacy as one of the club’s brightest young stars.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely — the next chapter in Mainoo’s story could redefine Manchester United’s future.
Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo’s teammate thinks Mainoo is a future Manchester United captain in the making.
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