Arsenal Legend Slams Ruben Amorim Over ‘Very Embarrassing’ Treatment of Manchester United Star

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, labelling his handling of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as "very embarrassing."

Wright's comments came after Mainoo delivered another standout performance in United's recent 2-0 victory over Tottenham, continuing his resurgence under interim boss Michael Carrick.

Before Amorim's dismissal, Mainoo, a product of United's academy, had been largely frozen out, making just one start this season in a humiliating Carabao Cup loss to Grimsby Town. The 20-year-old's disillusionment grew to the point where he was reportedly planning a loan move to Serie A side Napoli to secure playing time.

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However, since Carrick took the helm and immediately reinstated him into the starting lineup, Mainoo has rediscovered the form that earned him a spot in the England squad for the European Championships at just 18 years old.

Speaking as a pundit on Premier League World, Wright did not hold back in his criticism of the sacked Portuguese manager.

"Everybody was confused with what was happening under Ruben Amorim," Wright stated. "When you look at [Mainoo], someone who's not played, coming into a Man United side that's not in great form... to play in that midfield which is where all the questions have been around... just the quality."

Wright highlighted the midfielder's immediate impact and questioned Amorim's judgment. "I think it's very embarrassing for Ruben Amorim if we're going to be totally honest. Because what we saw was a Man United youth product not given the opportunity to play and very, very close to leaving the club."

He added, "He was brilliant today. Magnificent today."

Mainoo's performance against Spurs drew widespread praise, not only for his clever assist for Bryan Mbeumo's opening goal but also for his commanding presence in central midfield alongside Casemiro.

Carrick praised the young star but urged caution. "There's no doubt about Kobbie's ability or what he can bring," Carrick said. "He's still so young, so let's be careful of putting so much on his shoulders and expecting so much from him. Credit to him, he came right in and found his rhythm of football, which is not easy after a period of time off."

The tension between Mainoo and Amorim was evident during the manager's final months, highlighted when the player's brother wore a "Free Kobbie Mainoo" shirt at Old Trafford. Amorim consistently defended his decision to bench the England international, stating in a December press conference, "I just want to win... I'm just trying to put the best players on the pitch."

Since Carrick's appointment, Mainoo has played every minute of all four matches, contributing to victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham, and Spurs, and providing two assists.

Reports indicate that Manchester United are now ready to resume contract negotiations with Mainoo, who has 18 months left on his current deal. A new contract was reportedly agreed upon last year but was not signed off by Amorim before his departure.