Kobbie Mainoo has experienced a remarkable turnaround at Manchester United under Michael Carrick, who immediately restored the midfielder to the starting XI after taking over as interim coach. The 20-year-old had struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim this season. According to Footballtoday.com.
Carrick highlights Mainoo’s mental strength as key asset for United future
Carrick has identified Mainoo’s composure under pressure as his standout quality, praising the midfielder’s ability to cope with challenging environments. Speaking with Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s game with Fulham, the interim coach emphasized how the 20-year-old has handled big occasions for both club and country.
“I like the way Kobbie takes the ball. I think there’s a big part of being a footballer and being the top player is being able to cope with the environment,” Carrick explained. He highlighted how Mainoo has played significant games in the Euros for England and for United, demonstrating his capacity to perform when it matters most.
The midfielder’s transformation under Carrick has been immediate and impressive, producing standout performances in victories against Arsenal and Manchester City. This represents a stark contrast to his situation under Amorim, where he did not start a single Premier League game this season and was limited to substitute appearances.
Mainoo’s future had appeared uncertain during his struggles for game time, with Napoli and several other European clubs showing interest in January. However, United had no intention of parting with the midfielder, and his fortunes improved dramatically after Amorim’s departure following a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy.
The club remains committed to securing Mainoo’s long-term future, with plans to re-open contract talks despite his current deal running until 2027 with an option for another year. United are prepared to offer a new contract that would significantly increase his salary to bring him in line with his first-team teammates.
