Manchester United’s match-winner against Liverpool, Kobbie Mainoo, appeared to take a thinly veiled swipe at former manager Ruben Amorim while praising the transformative impact of Michael Carrick.

Speaking to Sky Sports following his stunning 77th-minute decider at Old Trafford, the 21-year-old midfielder spoke glowingly of the connection between the current squad and their head coach.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Kobbie Mainoo praises Michael Carrick after Manchester United win

Mainoo, who has been the standout performer since Carrick took the reins in January 2026, highlighted the shift in atmosphere at Carrington.

“He’s played a huge part in it, all the confidence he gives all the players,” Mainoo said, visibly emotional after the 3-2 victory.

“You want to follow him and fight for him and die for him on the pitch.”

The comments have been interpreted by many as a reflection of the fractured relationship between the squad and Amorim, whose 14-month tenure ended abruptly on January 5.

While the Portuguese manager struggled to find consistency, leaving the club in sixth place, Carrick has revitalised the side, leading them on a charge that has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table.

Ruben Amorim struggled to get the best out of Kobbie Mainoo

The contrast in Mainoo’s role under the two managers is striking. Despite being regarded as one of United’s brightest young talents, he was largely overlooked by Amorim, playing just 212 minutes of Premier League football in the first half of the campaign.

It reached a point that Mainoo was even considering a move to Napoli in the January window to secure first-team football.

However, since Carrick’s appointment on January 13, Mainoo has become central to United’s system, starting 12 of the manager’s first 13 matches in charge.

Carrick has built his approach around Mainoo’s composure, intelligence, and passing range,  qualities that were previously underutilised.

Mainoo’s decisive display against Liverpool now stands as a powerful statement of Carrick’s faith, while also highlighting what Manchester United risked losing under the previous regime.

With the midfielder now committing his future to the club by signing a new long-term contract, United have secured one of their most important players for years to come.

The post Kobbie Mainoo aims subtle dig at Ruben Amorim as Manchester United star praises Michael Carrick after Liverpool winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Kobbie Mainoo has scored a rocket of a strike from the edge of the box to potentially win the game for Manchester United in a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.

With the scores locked at 2-2 following a frantic second-half comeback by Liverpool, the “hometown hero” stepped up in the 77th minute to re-establish the lead and ignite the Stretford End.

Kobbie Mainoo strikes to win it for Man United

The match had taken a dramatic turn after halftime, with Liverpool erasing United’s 2-0 lead through goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo.

However, Manchester United’s resolve remained unbroken. In the 77th minute, a cross from Luke Shaw was headed down by Amad Diallo into a crowded penalty area.

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister attempted to clear the danger, but his boot only found the path of the onrushing Mainoo.

From the edge of the area, the 21-year-old midfielder connected with a perfectly timed side-foot rocket that rifled into the bottom corner, leaving Freddie Woodman with no chance.

Kobbie Mainoo rattles it in at the Stretford End! ? pic.twitter.com/3HDRLnyC4D

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026

Mainoo has become a vital part of Michael Carrick’s Man United

Mainoo, who was on the verge of a January exit just a few months ago after falling out with Ruben Amorim has become a key player under Michael Carrick.

Under the guidance of legendary midfielder, who took over as head coach in January 2026, the young midfielder is now one of the first names on the team sheet.

Mainoo’s ability to arrive late in the box and provide clinical finishing has added a new dimension to United’s attack.

His performances has seen him earn a new long-term contract, signing a deal that will see him stay at Old Trafford till 2031.

The post Watch: Kobbie Mainoo scores rocket from edge of the box to win it for Man United vs Liverpool appeared first on CaughtOffside.