Ruben Amorim should hang his head in shame after what Kobbie Mainoo did vs Man City
Man United started life under Michael Carrick in emphatic fashion on Saturday as they beat Man City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
It was a wonderful performance from the Red Devils, as Bryan Mbuemo and Patrick Dorgu both scored to give the hosts a memorable victory in the derby.
While Diogo Dalot was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch in the first half, few players but a foot wrong on Saturday.
One of the most impressive displays came from Kobbie Mainoo, with the midfielder showing former manager Ruben Amorim exactly why he should have been starting regularly.
MANCHESTER. IS. REDDDDD! 🤩❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 17, 2026
Kobbie Mainoo stuns as Man United beat Man City
Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford was under serious doubt going into January.
Amorim had limited the midfielder’s minutes, and with the World Cup around the corner, a move away looked likely.
This was despite the youngster being viewed as one of Man United’s best young prospects, as the saga overshadowed Amorim’s late reign.
That reaction from Michael Carrick… and Sir Alex! 🤩🤌 pic.twitter.com/2alIOZ8Avi
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 17, 2026
However, he was given the nod to start against Man City in Carrick’s first match, and heavily impressed next to Casemiro.
According to Fotmob on 17 January, the 20-year-old completed 91 per cent of his passes, won three tackles, made two interceptions, and even had a shot on target.
| Kobbie Mainoo’s stats vs Man City | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Passing accuracy | 91% |
| Shots on target | 1 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Interceptions | 2 |
Therefore, Amorim should hang his head in shame. There was clearly a player in the youngster, but the manager simply did not want to see it.
Now, Mainoo has won the battle, and if he keeps these types of performances up, there is every chance he will be on the plan for the World Cup in the summer.
Lisandro Martinez explains what Michael Carrick’s advice to Man United was
The performance was no doubt a remarkable turnaround for Man United.
The Red Devils were woeful for weeks and were deservedly knocked out of the FA Cup last weekend by Brighton.
Yet, it looked like a different side on Saturday as they took the game to Pep Guardiola’s team, and the visitors simply could not handle them.
“Unbelievable to be here with the people, with the fans… we really know we suffered”
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 17, 2026
Lisandro Martinez reacts after Manchester United defeat their rivals in the derby! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hHuZ3CvM26
Carrick’s reign has no doubt got off to an incredible start, with optimism surrounding Old Trafford once more.
Now, Martinez has revealed to Sky Sports on 17 January what advice Carrick gave the players ahead of the derby.
When asked if this was the best he had known Old Trafford, he said: “Absolutely. One important thing Michael Carrick said was: use the energy of the people. Today I think we did it. When we are together it is impossible to lose at home.”