Gary Lineker jokes Man Utd star should ‘sue’ Ruben Amorim over ‘baffling’ treatment | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Michael Carrick’s takeover as interim manager at Manchester United last month marked a significant turnaround for the club, with Kobbie Mainoo starting and impressing in four consecutive victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Tottenham. This run elevated United into the top four, just three points behind Aston Villa, highlighting Carrick’s positive impact.
Gary Lineker has expressed his astonishment regarding Ruben Amorim’s treatment of Kobbie Mainoo during the latter’s tenure as manager of Manchester United. Speaking on “The Rest Is Football” podcast, Lineker remarked that Mainoo should consider “suing” Amorim for “taking a year out of his career”.
The comments follow Mainoo’s earlier struggles under Amorim, where he was relegated to substitute appearances for all 14 Premier League matches this season and faced potential departure ahead of the January transfer window. Since Michael Carrick assumed managerial duties last month, Mainoo has started all four matches, contributing to a perfect record that positions United in the top four, just three points off third-placed Aston Villa.
Mainoo’s Resurgence Under Carrick
Lineker highlighted Mainoo’s impressive performances since Carrick took charge, praising his ability to handle pressure and make swift decisions on the ball. “He wants the ball, he receives it with anyone around him and he turns, always makes the right decisions,” Lineker stated. He added that if Mainoo continues to perform well, he should be included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Lineker was critical of Amorim, questioning what the former manager was thinking in not recognising Mainoo’s talent. He noted, “It’s so, so baffling that he couldn’t see how good that young man is,” underscoring his belief that Amorim’s decisions significantly hindered Mainoo’s development.
Positive Outlook for Manchester United
Alan Shearer also weighed in on the situation, suggesting Amorim would feel “cringing” watching United flourish under Carrick. Shearer remarked on the impressive turnaround, saying, “Michael Carrick has put them in an absolutely great position to get Champions League football which, I must admit, that seemed impossible two months ago.”
Carrick’s side is scheduled to return to action away to West Ham on Tuesday night, aiming to continue their successful run in search of Champions League qualification.