Kobbie Mainoo is one player who’s set to reap the benefits of Ruben Amorim’s sacking – and his family will no doubt be feeling the same.
Manchester United confirmed this morning that they had parted ways with Amorim following a 14-month tenure, and Mainoo’s sister, Ama, was quick to indirectly respond to the news on her Instagram page.
🚨📸 – Ama Mainoo (Kobbie Mainoo’s sister) on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/PNWoYifLO4
— (fan) 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗺’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇵🇹 (@AmorimBalll_) January 5, 2026
Kobbie Mainoo: The state of play
The midfield starlet had fallen hugely out of favour under Amorim prior to today’s development, so much so that he had reportedly begun considering a permanent departure from his boyhood club for the first time in his career.
Mainoo has not started a Premier League game this season and has accumulated only 212 minutes of playing time in the first half of the term. He was also an unused substitute on four occasions, most recently being left out for the side’s lacklustre 1-1 draw at home to West Ham United on December 4.
| Manager | Appearances | Starts | Minutes played |
| Ruben Amorim | 29 | 12 | 1,294 |
| Erik ten Hag | 32 | 31 | 2,524 |
*Mainoo’s Premier League record under his last two managers (Transfermarkt)
Now that Darren Fletcher has taken the reins on an interim basis, fans are already pondering how the youngster might be utilised when he returns from his injury setback.
In line with that, there will be questions as to whether Mainoo will continue pushing for a winter move before the February 2 deadline, given he could well reclaim his regular starting spot with Amorim out of the picture.
What next for United post-Amorim?
David Ornstein’s report suggested the INEOS hierarchy might wait until the summer to appoint a permanent manager – presumably due to how few options are actually available as things stand.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim as head coach. 40yo Portuguese informed of decision & goes with immediate effect after 14 months following breakdown in relations. Darren Fletcher expected to take over #MUFC on interim basis @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/kEAu5Wv8F7
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 5, 2026
United have previously been credited with interest in Gareth Southgate, who’s yet to return to the hot-seat since his England departure in July 2024, and his connections with part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe have only increased speculation that he could be next in line – much to the Old Trafford faithful’s dismay.
