Gerrard Doesn't Hold Back on Mainoo's Rough Ride

Picture this: you're a hotshot academy kid at Manchester United, England's future in your boots, and suddenly the new gaffer's got you warming the bench like a forgotten half-time pie. That's the nightmare Kobbie Mainoo lived under Ruben Amorim, according to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. The Scouser didn't mince words on TNT Sports, calling it 'out of order' that the lad got zero chances amid United's chaos.

Gerrard, who's no stranger to midfield mastery himself, felt proper sorry for the Stockport lad. 'Felt really sorry for him in terms of the kid’s career under Amorim,' he said. With United wobbling like a dodgy kebab van, sidelining a talent like Mainoo? Stevie reckons that's bang out of order, especially when the team's screaming out for consistency.

From Bench-Warmer to Baller Under Carrick

Fast forward to Michael Carrick stepping in as interim boss after Amorim's January exit, and blimey, what a turnaround. The 20-year-old hasn't just started games – he's bossed all 10 under Carrick, including proper statement wins over Manchester City, Tottenham and Aston Villa. Eye-catching doesn't cover it; the kid's been everywhere, spraying passes and snuffing out attacks like a human hoover.

Before Carrick, Mainoo hadn't sniffed a Premier League start this season. He was even pondering a winter move away from Old Trafford, poor sod. Now? He's grinning ear-to-ear, fit as a fiddle, and playing at a level that screams 'world-class'. Gerrard nailed it: just give him minutes, get him smiling, and watch the magic happen.

As reported by The Peoples Person via OneFootball, this revival's no fluke. Carrick trusted the youngster from the off, and it's paid dividends. United fans must be buzzing – finally, a manager who rates homegrown gems over flashy imports.

England World Cup Nod on the Cards?

Gerrard's not stopping at sympathy; he's got his eye on the bigger picture. With Thomas Tuchel plotting for this summer's World Cup, Mainoo's knocking on the Three Lions door. 'He’s now at a level where he walks in the England squad,' Stevie declared. If he keeps this up, Tuchel'd be daft not to pick him.

The ex-Aston Villa and LA Galaxy gaffer knows a thing or two about young talents blooming late. Mainoo's got that Gerrard-esque steel – calm under pressure, box-to-box energy, and a knack for big moments. England's midfield's been a merry-go-round; slotting in a consistent performer like this? It's a no-brainer.

United's season's been a rollercoaster, but Mainoo's story is the silver lining. Amorim's tactics might've been rigid – all about that back-three obsession – but Carrick's given freedom, and it's working. Will this stick if a permanent boss arrives? Here's hoping, or we'll be back to bench purgatory.

For now, raise a pint to Kobbie. From nearly legging it out the door to England contender in months. Football, eh? What a game.