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Michael Carrick takes charge of Manchester United with one key task being to unlock Kobbie Mainoo’s potential, after the interim manager previously stated that clubs “have to” build around academy talents like the 20-year-old midfielder who has struggled for regular starts this season.
Michael Carrick Tasked With Freeing Kobbie Mainoo After Previous Comments About Building Team Around Midfielder
The 20-year-old midfielder has endured a difficult period under Ruben Amorim, failing to make a Premier League start this season despite playing a key role for England during their run to the Euro 2024 final. Mainoo’s early career momentum hit a major setback under the Portuguese manager, with the player’s family members publicly expressing frustration about his lack of opportunities at Old Trafford.
Carrick spoke extensively about Mainoo’s potential during a summer appearance on Rio Meets, describing the academy graduate as “more of an attacker” rather than a holding midfielder. The former United midfielder emphasized that Mainoo performs best with “that little bit more freedom” in a higher line, stating that the player possesses the ability to “create and take the ball” while operating in advanced positions.
When asked directly whether he would build the current United team around Mainoo, Carrick responded emphatically that clubs “have to” utilize academy talents who understand the club’s culture. “United’s got to have an element of that. Always has done, always should, always have,” Carrick explained, adding that players like Mainoo “get it, they know it” and deserve the club’s support and patience.
Mainoo’s positional uncertainty has contributed to his struggles, having been deployed in various roles from defensive midfielder to false nine under different managers. Under Erik ten Hag, he impressed as part of a midfield two, culminating in scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final, while Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system created direct competition with the previously immovable Bruno Fernandes for attacking midfield positions.
Carrick’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which he utilized in 90 percent of his matches at Middlesbrough, could provide the structure needed to accommodate Mainoo’s skillset. The interim manager praised Mainoo’s technical abilities, highlighting his capacity to “play forward and commit people, can play, can dribble, can pass” as qualities that represent “a breath of fresh air” in United’s midfield options.
