Kobbie Mainoo: Steven Gerrard says Ruben Amorim was ‘out of order’ for treatment of Manchester United player - 'Felt really sorry for him'

Thomas Tuchel has recalled Manchester United pair Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire to England's squad for March's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Mainoo has starred under Michael Carrick, but he struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim. TNT Sports pundits Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch have spoken about the recall of Mainoo, and call-ups for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Garner.

Ruben Amorim was ”out of order” for his treatment of Robbie Mainoo, according to TNT Sports pundit Steven Gerrard.

The Manchester United midfielder has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan after becoming a regular starter under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford since his arrival.

However, Mainoo struggled for game time under Amorim, and that presented Carrick with an early ”win” after succeeding him at the club, the former Liverpool captain suggests.

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The 20-year-old, whose Old Trafford team-mate Harry Maguire was also recalled, has started every Premier League game since Carrick took charge following Amorim’s dismissal in early January.

Asked if he expected Mainoo to be in the England squad for this summer’s World Cup, ex-England international Gerrard told TNT Sports: ”Yes, because I think he’s a fantastic player. He done well in the last tournament [Euro 2024].

"Felt really sorry for him in terms of the kid’s career under Amorim. I think it was out of order that he never got any opportunity, especially with Man United being so inconsistent.

Hargreaves: It was ‘mind-blowing’ Mainoo didn’t play for a year under Amorim

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”But not surprised that Michael Carrick [recalled him to the starting XI]. I think that was one of the straight wins if you walk into a job, if you like. Get Kobbie Mainoo back in, get him smiling, give him game time and minutes, and get him fit and up to the speed where we all know he can play.

”He’s now at a level where he walks in the England squad, never mind Amorim not playing him. He walks into the England squad if he’s playing regularly for Man United.”

Calvert-Lewin 'deserves' call-up - as does Garner

Tuchel also recalled Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin the squad.

Asked about the 29-year-old striker’s first call-up in five years, TNT Sports pundit Peter Crouch said: ”He’s been very good this season. He needed to get away and get some starts, get some games under his belt. The injuries held him back.

Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been recalled to the England squad after a five-year absence

Image credit: Getty Images

”I think he was the natural replacement for Harry Kane for a long time, then the injuries held him back. He lost his way a little bit. He seems to be finding form. If we get the Dominic Calvert-Lewin we know, and we’ve seen, then he’ll be a great addition. He deserves it.”

James Garner, meanwhile, has been called up for the first time after starting every game for Everton this season.

The 25-year-old midfielder "deserves" his place in the squad along with the likes of Arsenal's Declan Rice and Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, according to former England international Crouch.

Crouch said: ”He’s been class, he really has, and deserves his opportunity. The two places in midfield, you’d probably say Anderson and Rice probably hold the shirts at the moment, but without a doubt he deserves his place in the squad.

”There is always players that surprise you towards the end of the season. If you’re in good form, get in the squad, you could could have a good World Cup.”

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