Gary Lineker has ignited a fresh storm around Manchester United after launching a scathing attack on Ruben Amorim’s handling of teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo. The former England striker went as far as to suggest that Amorim has cost Mainoo an entire year of development, a statement that has divided fans and pundits alike.
“If I was Kobbie Mainoo, I’d be thinking about whether I should sue him or not,” Lineker joked on BBC Sport, before turning deadly serious. “He’s taken a year out of that kid’s career. This kid is a wonderful footballer. God, he makes it look so easy.”
Mainoo, once hailed as United’s brightest academy jewel, has struggled for consistent minutes under Amorim’s system. Despite showing maturity beyond his years and an elite decision-making ability, the midfielder has often found himself sidelined or used cautiously, raising questions about whether the Portuguese manager trusts youth enough in high-pressure moments.
Lineker’s criticism didn’t stop there. He added that Amorim’s influence has been “absolutely detrimental” to Mainoo’s progress and warned that it could even threaten the youngster’s chances of making England’s World Cup squad if his development stalls.