Gary Neville Slams "Rubbish" Performance as Kobbie Mainoo Faces Roy Keane's Stern Warning

Manchester United icon Gary Neville has slammed ex-boss Ruben Amorim regarding his treatment of Kobbie Mainoo during the season's opening months, as the midfielder now thrives once more under Michael Carrick's guidance.

Former teammate Roy Keane emphasized the importance of Mainoo seizing his opportunity, praising the young talent's displays against Manchester City and Arsenal, while cautioning against premature excitement about United's revival following merely two victories.

"I have to say, I was never fond of how Mainoo was managed," Neville stated on the latest Stick to Football episode, claiming Amorim "destroyed" the player when it became apparent he wouldn't feature alongside Bruno Fernandes.

"I believed it was terrible," he continued. "It damaged him in public view. Then he barely included him in the squad, except for the Grimsby match. That approach nearly forced a gifted player away from the club before he could truly showcase his abilities. Watching him in these recent two fixtures makes you wonder, how was this possible? How could [Manuel] Ugarte [be preferred over him]?"

Keane responded, "You couldn't expect anything better," and noted that the complete transformation has been "outstanding."

However, "It's just two matches," he cautioned, seeking further evidence. "I understand at United we tend to be excessive. They lose several games and it's catastrophic. They secure a few victories, and suddenly they've returned."

Is Kobbie Mainoo the Missing Ingredient for Man Utd, England?

Is Kobbie Mainoo the Missing Ingredient for Man Utd, England?

With Carrick implementing a tactical setup that suits both Mainoo and Fernandes, while keeping Casemiro as the defensive midfielder, United appear more refined in their midfield operations.

During the same discussion, Paul Scholes highlighted the improved equilibrium, suggesting it's potentially what Premier League frontrunners Arsenal are "lacking" in their squad.

"Kobbie and Fernandes enable your team to play proper football," he explained. "When they relied solely on Fernandes, they deployed him to perform alone. He lacked a suitable partner. Now, Kobbie possesses that same capability to connect with teammates. It creates a significant impact."

Kobbie Mainoo Stats vs. Man City, Arsenal

Kobbie Mainoo Stats vs. Man City, Arsenal

Statistics courtesy of Fotmob.

Should Mainoo deliver such influence for Manchester United, might he provide similar value for England as well?

The 20-year-old proved crucial as the Three Lions advanced to the Euro 2024 final just months after his senior club debut, earning his place in the starting lineup throughout the competition.

Mainoo has represented England only once since that championship—absent entirely since 2024—due to fitness issues and subsequently his limited United appearances. Yet there's substantial potential for him to reclaim his squad position before the World Cup if this trajectory continues.

Kobbie Mainoo vs. Elliot Anderson for 2026 World Cup Starting Place

Kobbie Mainoo vs. Elliot Anderson for 2026 World Cup Starting Place

Returning to the squad represents one challenge, while securing a starting role presents another. Mainoo's primary rival for England's first XI comes from Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who seemingly holds the position next to Declan Rice in the central partnership.

Anderson, previously connected with a potential Old Trafford transfer during the summer window and possibly valued at £100 million ($137.9 million) by Forest, has featured in five of England's previous six matches since his September debut and enjoys favor with manager Thomas Tuchel, who hasn't yet selected Mainoo for any squad since replacing Sir Gareth Southgate.