Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen believes midfielder Kobbie Mainoo will be among the most relieved figures at Old Trafford following the dismissal of manager Ruben Amorim, but insists the player now faces immense pressure to deliver.
Mainoo's Chance After Amorim Exit
Amorim was relieved of his duties at Manchester United on Monday, January 6, 2026, after a difficult tenure. One significant subplot of his reign was the persistent omission of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from the starting lineup.
The 20-year-old England international has not started a single Premier League game all season, having been consistently overlooked by the Portuguese coach. Mainoo, who is currently recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the last three matches, could now be in contention for a swift return to action.
He may feature when United face Burnley on Wednesday night under the temporary stewardship of Under-18s boss and club legend Darren Fletcher. This opportunity is further heightened by an injury to club captain Bruno Fernandes.
Owen, speaking via casino.org, acknowledged the shift in fortune for the academy graduate. "By the very fact that Amorim has gone, you would think that he’s going to get a lot more opportunity to play," Owen stated.
'No Excuses' for United Starlet
However, the former Ballon d'Or winner was quick to emphasise that the onus is now squarely on Mainoo to seize his chance. Owen warned that the period for blaming others is over and that the player must prove Amorim wrong for not selecting him.
"Now it’s down to Mainoo," Owen asserted. "It’s all right blaming people, but of course, his time is now going to come and he’s got to take it. He’s got to take that opportunity because if the next manager doesn’t play him... then at some point, a little bit like Marcus Rashford, those doubts might start to creep in."
Owen concluded that Mainoo has "no hiding place or excuses" left and must immediately demonstrate his quality to force his way into the plans of incoming manager Thomas Tuchel, especially with England's World Cup campaign next summer on the horizon.
System Change Could Benefit Amorim Signings
The article also explored the potential ripple effect of Amorim's departure on other squad members, particularly those he signed. During his reign, Amorim's first signing was Danish defender Patrick Dorgu, who joined from Lecce for £25 million in January 2025.
Dorgu was specifically recruited to operate as a left wing-back in Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 formation. However, Owen suggested that the 21-year-old, who has recently played in more advanced roles and scored his first United goal against Newcastle in late December, might also benefit from a tactical shift.
"I’d say that overall, the players in that squad are probably relieved, if anything, that they might be going back to a more conventional system," Owen said. He argued that Dorgu is not solely a wing-back and could thrive as a left-back, left midfielder, or in an attacking wide role, suggesting the change could open up new opportunities for the defender.
Ultimately, Owen's analysis paints a picture of a squad at a crossroads. While Amorim's exit may bring initial relief for players like Mainoo and Dorgu, it signals the start of a critical period where they must prove their worth all over again under a new regime.
