Manchester United remain unbeaten and transformed under the steady hand of Michael Carrick. While the 2-0 victory over Thomas Frank’s struggling Tottenham was perhaps expected, it’s the way United are playing that has Old Trafford dreaming again.
Under Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils were prone to baffling collapses most notably the 1-1 draw with Wolves that soured the end of 2025. But under Carrick, the mood has shifted. United have now secured four straight Premier League wins for the first time since the Erik ten Hag era, and while Bruno Fernandes continues to pull the strings, the real story lies in the engine room.
The Casemiro Renaissance
It wasn’t long ago that pundits like Jamie Carragher were writing off Casemiro as a “has-been.” Yet, the 33-year-old is enjoying a late-career masterclass in Manchester. From his ice-cold no-look assist against Fulham to his dominant displays against Arsenal and City, the Brazilian has proven he still belongs at the top.
However, with Casemiro expected to depart the Theatre of Dreams this summer, the hunt for a successor is on. But instead of splashing £60m+ on a Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson, the solution appears to be homegrown.
The “Future £100m” Star
Kobbie Mainoo, once ostracized under Amorim’s regime, looks like a “different animal” next to Casemiro. Journalist Alex Turk previously dubbed the 20-year-old a “£100m plus footballer” in the making, and this February, Mainoo is finally living up to that staggering price tag.
Mainoo’s Midfield Masterclass (vs. Spurs):
- 100 Touches: Dominating the tempo of the game.
- 94% Pass Accuracy: Showing composure far beyond his years.
- 14 Duels Won: Proving he has the “steel” to match his “class.”
- The Assist: A clever corner routine that set the tone for the 2-0 win.
Correcting Amorim’s “Ridiculous” Mistake
BBC Sport’s Simon Stone recently labeled Amorim’s decision to sideline the youngster as “ridiculous,” and the stats back it up. Mainoo isn’t just a “talent”; he is a midfield “maestro” capable of anchoring United for the next decade.
As United prepares for a massive midfield makeover this off-season, the pressure to buy a “big name” will be high. However, Carrick has shown that the heir to Casemiro’s throne was already at Carrington. If United has the courage to put their faith in Mainoo, they might just save themselves a nine-figure sum in the transfer market.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
