Manchester United’s Liverpool winner Koby Mainu appeared to have a hint of disdain for former manager Ruben Amorim while praising Michael Carrick’s transformative influence.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his stunning 77th-minute winning goal at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old midfielder spoke passionately about his current team and connection with their head coach.
Download the official CaughtOffSide app to get all the latest news and updates straight to your phone. above apple & Google play
Koby Mainu praises Michael Carrick after Manchester United win
Mainoo, who has been outstanding since Carrick took over the reins in January 2026, highlighted the change in atmosphere at Carrington.
“He played a big part in that. He gave confidence to all the players,” a visibly emotional Mainu said after the 3-2 win.
“You want to follow him, fight for him and die for him on the pitch.”
The comment was interpreted by many to reflect the fractured relationship between Amorim and the team, whose 14-month term ended abruptly on January 5th.
With the Portuguese manager struggling to find stability and leaving the club languishing in sixth place, Carrick revitalized his team and led them on a charge to move to third place in the Premier League.
Ruben Amorim struggled to bring out the best in Koby Mainu
The contrast in Mainu’s roles under the two coaches is striking. Despite being regarded as one of United’s brightest young players, he was ignored by manager Amorim and played just 212 minutes in the Premier League in the first half of the season.
Mainu went so far as to consider a move to Napoli during the January deadline in order to secure first-team football.
However, since Carrick took over on January 13, Mainou has become central to United’s system, starting 12 of his first 13 games as manager.
Carrick built his approach around Mainu’s previously underutilized qualities, including his calmness, intelligence and passing range.
Maynou’s decisive performance against Liverpool was a powerful statement of Carrick’s beliefs and also highlighted what Manchester United were at risk of losing under the previous regime.
With the midfielder committing his future to the club on a new long-term contract, United have secured one of their most important players for years to come.
