Subtle dig at Amorim: Maguire hails 'brilliant' Man Utd star after 2 assists in 3 games

Manchester United star Harry Maguire has lavished praise on wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo.

Maguire and Mainoo have started all four matches since Carrick took charge as caretaker head coach, instantly becoming key figures in the new-look United setup.

Both of them found it tough to get regular playing time under former manager Ruben Amorim this season.

While Maguire was largely sidelined due to injuries, Mainoo was harshly overlooked by the Portuguese.

Now fully reintegrated, Maguire has opened up on exactly what makes Mainoo so vital to this United side.

He said (via TNT Sports Football): “He has been brilliant. We know what Kobbie can do, he can take the ball for us under pressure, he is brilliant on the ball, he can get out of tight spaces.

Those comments appeared to carry an indirect criticism of Amorim’s reign, hinting that a lack of structure may have held players back during his underwhelming 14-month spell.

“I always say there is a footballer if the structure is good, you can perform, you can look like a good player.”

Mainoo has made Amorim look foolish

It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify why Amorim failed to start Mainoo even once in the Premier League this season.

The Portuguese coach remained stubbornly loyal to his 3-4-2-1 system, a setup that limited midfield opportunities by accommodating just two central players.

Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were regular picks, but Amorim could have easily adjusted his shape or pushed Fernandes further forward to make room for Mainoo.

The United academy graduate has been exceptional under Carrick, a clear signal of the faith shown by the new manager.

He constantly shows for the ball, offers angles for his teammates, and looks to progress play with confidence and intelligence.

His superb technical ability allows him to draw defenders, glide past pressure, and unlock defences with incisive through balls.

Crucially, his two assists in the last three games highlight his growing influence in the final third, even when operating from a central midfield role.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .