Michael Owen: Mainoo and Dorgu Will Be Happiest Players After Ruben Amorim Exit
Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen has said that Kobbie Mainoo and Patrick Dorgu are likely to be the happiest players following the sacking of manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim, who took charge of the Red Devils in November 2024, ended his 14-month tenure at Old Trafford on Monday, January 5, 2026. During his spell, several young players, including Mainoo and Dorgu, were often overlooked.
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Kobbie Mainoo Could Get His First-Team Chance
Mainoo, who has yet to start in a Premier League match this season, is uncertain about his future at Manchester United. While he hasn’t commented publicly on Amorim’s exit, he recently liked a social media post joking about his former manager’s departure.
Speaking to Metro, Owen said:
“Right now, he [Mainoo] will be one of the happiest people around, but now it’s going to be entirely up to him, and there’s no place to hide or any excuses to make. He needs to show that Amorim was wrong by not giving him as much playing time. He’s likely to get that chance, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Patrick Dorgu Could Return to His Preferred Position
Owen also highlighted Patrick Dorgu, the left-back, who under Amorim’s 3-4-3 system often played as a left wing-back rather than his natural position. Owen believes the system change could benefit Dorgu.
“Dorgu has not always played as a wing-back. He has played in that high right position in the last game or two, and he has played that position before too. I think the players in that team are probably happy, if not relieved, that they might be switching back to a more normal system. There will be one or two players that Amorim has signed, but that’s something that happens all the time.
Dorgu, I still believe there’s a chance for him. He can play as a left back, left midfielder, right midfielder, or maybe as part of the attacking trio on the left or right side; there will be chances for him.”
Darren Fletcher Takes Temporary Charge
Following Amorim’s exit, former Manchester United player Darren Fletcher has been appointed as interim manager and will lead the team until the end of the season.
This managerial change presents an opportunity for young talents like Mainoo and Dorgu to establish themselves in the Manchester United first team as the club navigates the remainder of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
