Ruben Amorim and Kobbie Mainoo have both been in the news regarding Manchester United as Michael Carrick looks ahead to his next game as boss
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
05:30, 05 Feb 2026
Ruben Amorim has made a big decision and Kobbie Mainoo has been called out(Image: Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United will turn their attention to Tottenham at Old Trafford on Saturday as Michael Carrick bids to maintain his 100% record. United ended the winter transfer window quietly, allowing several squad players to depart on loan whilst maintaining their core group.
Carrick has provided a welcome change since returning to the club, winning all three matches so far. Tough encounters against rivals Manchester City and Arsenal both delivered three points, and a stoppage-time winner against Fulham ensured the interim manager kept his unblemished start.
Up next is Tottenham at home as Thomas Frank’s team seek to capitalise on their own impressive result against City last weekend. Victory over Spurs would see United further strengthen their top-four ambitions and narrow the deficit on Aston Villa, who face Bournemouth later in the day.
With the weekend fixtures fast approaching, Manchester Evening News has shared the latest developments emerging from the Theatre of Dreams.
FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page
Ruben Amorim decision
Ruben Amorim has chosen not to speak out(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has indirectly shown serious respect for Carrick by delaying any explanation of his United tenure until the season ends. After a 1-1 draw with Leeds United in January, the Portuguese boss was sacked following 14 months at the helm.
Carrick was appointed as interim manager, with many demanding to hear Amorim’s version of events straight after his exit. Now, a source has revealed to the Daily Mail that the 41-year-old intends to hold off until the summer before speaking publicly.
The report also indicates that this choice was made to avoid disrupting the remainder of Carrick’s spell with the club. The temporary manager will likely welcome this approach as he seeks to maintain United’s excellent run of results.
Kobbie Mainoo called out
Alex Iwobi has called out Mainoo(Image: youtube/@alexanderyaadigg)
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi has singled out Kobbie Mainoo after sustaining a hand injury during an intense encounter on Sunday. The midfielder has experienced a revival in form under Carrick, featuring in all three Premier League matches and covering more distance than any other player.
This stands in sharp contrast to his time under Amorim, as he was kept on the substitutes’ bench for most of his reign. And it appears that Iwobi is still experiencing the consequences of his battle with the England international from their meeting last weekend.
In his recent YouTube video, the midfielder said: “Shout out Kobbie Mainoo but Kobbie man.. you absolutely finished my hand. This guy has Ghanaian strength!”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Iwobi displayed his right hand during his praise of Mainoo, which had his ring and little finger taped together. It remains unclear how this injury occurred, but the Fulham star’s remarks suggest the pair engaged in a physical contest in which Iwobi evidently came off worse.
Just last month, a loan move away from United appeared the most probable next step for Mainoo after Amorim had given him just over 200 minutes of Premier League football this season. But that has all changed with the return of Carrick, who has demonstrated clear confidence in the England star from the outset – with a contract extension now seemingly on offer as well.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.