In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Arsenal and England midfield general Declan Rice was reportedly left utterly baffled by the bizarre handling of Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United — a situation that one insider described as “almost unbelievable” given the young star’s talent.
From Outcast to Hero: Mainoo’s Dramatic Turnaround
Mainoo, now 21, endured what sources close to the player call a “nightmare start” to the 2025-26 campaign under former United boss Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who was later dismissed, inexplicably froze out the Carrington academy graduate despite United’s glaring midfield struggles. According to multiple reports, Amorim even preferred the underwhelming Manuel Ugarte over Mainoo — a decision that left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Things got so tense that Amorim reportedly became prickly and defensive in press conferences whenever journalists dared to ask about Mainoo’s role. Rumors swirled that the youngster was all but certain to be shipped out on loan in January. But then came the plot twist no one saw coming.
Carrick’s Masterstroke Changes Everything
When club legend Michael Carrick took the helm, Mainoo’s fortunes flipped overnight. Sources say Carrick didn’t just give Mainoo a chance — he made him the centerpiece of his midfield. The 21-year-old started 16 of 17 Premier League matches under Carrick, helping drag United to a stunning third-place finish and a return to Champions League football after a two-year exile.
His form was so electric that England boss Thomas Tuchel came calling. Mainoo credited Carrick entirely for his recall, telling reporters, “Without him, I don’t know where I’d be.”
Rice’s Bombshell Admission: ‘Where Has He Been?’
Now, The Sun’s Samuel Luckhurst has dropped a bombshell: Declan Rice was openly questioning Mainoo’s treatment months before the turnaround. “A source said Rice was left pondering three months ago whether Mainoo might make it into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad when he began starting games for United under Michael Carrick,” Luckhurst reports.
One insider told us: “Declan couldn’t help but wonder where England teammate Kobbie Mainoo has been. It was a genuine head-scratcher for him — how could a player this talented be sitting on the bench?”
Rice’s question came before Mainoo’s March recall, and the Arsenal star — who started alongside Mainoo in all of England’s knockout games during the Euros — knows better than anyone what the young midfielder brings to the table.
What Does This Mean for England’s World Cup Hopes?
With the World Cup in North America looming, speculation is heating up. While reports suggest Mainoo will likely start on the bench for the Three Lions, insiders say his role could expand quickly if England’s midfield needs a spark. Some observers are buzzing about the possibility that Mainoo’s late emergence might give Tuchel a secret weapon — a player who’s already proven he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stages.
For now, the question lingers: What was Amorim thinking? And how close did Manchester United come to losing a generational talent forever?
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