The interim boss admits it was an ‘easy decision’ to restore Mainoo to the XI, revealing he has been coaching the midfielder since he was 13.
Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick has been built on a foundation of trust specifically, the trust placed in Kobbie Mainoo. After being sidelined for much of the season under Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old has played every single minute of Premier League football since Carrick took charge.
Now, Carrick has opened up about his deep connection with the England international, reminding fans of a fact that is “too easily forgotten”: Mainoo is still just a young man finding his rhythm.
Coaching Since Age 13
Speaking to BBC Sport, Carrick revealed that his influence on Mainoo’s career started long before he took the interim job last month.
“I’ve known Kobbie a long time. I started working with him when I think he was 13 or 14, when I was starting to do my coaching badges,” Carrick shared. “What Kobbie’s done at such a young age, on such big occasions, is quite incredible really.”
The “Flow” Over Tactics
While Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system reportedly left Mainoo confused and out of the rotation, Carrick has adopted a simpler approach: letting the talent breathe.
“We forget how young he still is,” Carrick noted. “I’ve been really conscious of not giving him an awful lot just a couple of little pointers. We’re just letting him go and find his flow. He’s a fantastic footballer and he’s got a huge talent.”
The Stats: The Impact of the U-Turn
Since the change in management, Mainoo’s numbers have skyrocketed:
- Minutes Played: 100% of PL minutes under Carrick.
- Key Contributions: Vital assists in high-pressure wins over Arsenal and Tottenham.
- Partnership: Formed a “perfect balance” in the pivot alongside the veteran Casemiro.
Next Stop: Goodison Park
Mainoo and Carrick will look to maintain their unbeaten streak this Monday night as United travel to face Everton. With United currently fourth and the Champions League within reach, the academy graduate is no longer a “rotation option” he is the first name on the teamsheet.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
