A different role, a different story

Kobbie Mainoo had struggled to secure regular minutes during Ruben Amorim’s brief spell in charge of Manchester United. The Portuguese coach’s 3-4-3 system left little room for the young midfielder, who never fully fit into the tactical setup despite being considered a long-term asset.

Amorim was clear in his assessment: he did not want Mainoo to leave the club, but he also did not see him as the best option in midfield at the time. Even so, he publicly described the academy graduate as “the future” of United.

Carrick’s immediate impact

Everything changed when Michael Carrick stepped in as interim manager. One of his first decisions was to restore Mainoo to the starting lineup — a call that paid off instantly as United claimed a 2–0 victory over Manchester City last weekend.

The performance marked a turning point for the 20-year-old England international, who looked confident, composed and fully at ease in the middle of the park. It was also a clear signal that Carrick sees Mainoo as more than just a prospect.

A long-standing connection

Carrick’s belief in Mainoo is rooted in a relationship that goes back years. Speaking to the media on Friday, the former United midfielder revealed he has known Mainoo since the player was just 13 or 14 years old.

“I really enjoyed working with Kobbie,” Carrick said. “I’ve known him since he was very young. I started working with him when I was completing my coaching qualifications, and I’ve seen his journey closely.”

Carrick stressed the importance of academy players breaking into the first team and understanding what representing United truly means — both on and off the pitch.

More than just talent

For Carrick, Mainoo’s rise is about more than technical ability. It is about character, resilience and handling pressure at the highest level.

“To progress that quickly, you have to play big games and leave your mark,” Carrick explained. “That says a lot about his personality and his ability to cope. Careers have ups and downs, and sometimes they follow different paths, but last week we saw exactly what he can bring.”

He also highlighted Mainoo’s quiet personality, noting that while the midfielder may not say much, he expresses himself clearly through his football.

A statement performance

Mainoo’s display against City felt like a reminder — not just of his quality, but of what can happen when trust meets opportunity. Calm in possession and mature beyond his years, he played with visible enjoyment, something Carrick was particularly pleased to see.

For a player once sidelined by circumstance and system, the message is clear: under Carrick, Kobbie Mainoo is no longer waiting for his chance. He is taking it.

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