Michael Carrick has revealed that Kobbie Mainoo’s commitment and ability on the ball played a major role in his reinstatement into Manchester United’s lineup.
Mainoo, 20, endured a tough spell under former manager Ruben Amorim who limited his role to that of a substitute.
The England international had not started any of Man United’s league games this season until the arrival of Carrick, who gave him a starting berth in the club’s last two matches.
“I like the way Kobbie takes the ball”, Carrick said during his prematch conference.
“I think there’s a big part of being a footballer and being the top player is being able to cope with the environment. He’s come in at such a young age and played some big games in the Euros for England and for Manchester United and playing a big part in those games. So just being able to cope, first off, is a huge thing and he’s proved he can cope.
He takes the ball, he drifts, he can play, he can play a little bit deeper at times, he can play a little bit higher up, depending on who he’s playing with I think sometimes we can pigeonhole players in certain things quite quickly. It’s not always the case and sometimes you say things and you see things in a player and you tweak a little bit”, the Red Devils caretaker boss continued.
Mainoo enjoyed an impressive outing in the wins over Manchester City and Arsenal and provided the assist for Matheus Cunha’s winner against the latter.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of next season, although the club have already begun renegotiations over an extension.
“Kobbie can play different roles within that, but definitely with Casemiro in the middle of the last couple of games we’ve had a really good pairing”, Carrick added.
“They’ve been a big part of controlling the team. He’s so young, Kobbie and he’s had some real highs, he’s had some disappointments, that’s natural. I was similar myself when I was young when I came through. It’s no different. I
It makes him better, it makes him stronger, it makes him more experienced and he’s showing that at the moment. He’s a joy to watch”, he concluded.
Manchester United will face Fulham on Sunday, hoping to continue their perfect record since Carrick took over.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
