Interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has declared that recalling midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from the cold was "not a big decision," as he heaped praise on the "incredible" young talent. Mainoo, aged 20, had faced a turbulent season before Carrick's appointment as first-team head coach last month, with former boss Ruben Amorim effectively freezing him out of plans.
Mainoo's Turbulent Season and Desire to Leave
Prior to Carrick's arrival, Mainoo's situation at Old Trafford had become so dire that the 20-year-old privately expressed to club chiefs his wish to explore a move away. He sought regular first-team football elsewhere, feeling sidelined under Amorim's management. This period of exclusion left Mainoo's future at the club in serious doubt, with many speculating about a potential transfer.
Carrick's Olive Branch and Immediate Impact
However, Carrick extended an olive branch to Mainoo upon taking the helm, involving the midfielder in his team from the outset. The England international has since repaid his manager's faith in spades, forming the foundation for United's impressive unbeaten run of five matches in the Premier League. Carrick described the decision to play Mainoo as a "no-brainer," emphasizing his long-standing familiarity with the player.
"I've known Kobbie a long time," Carrick told BBC Sport. "I started working with him when I think he was 13 or 14, when I was starting to do my coaching badges—a good few years ago. Just little bits. And then, obviously, when I was here the first time, he was in and around a little bit."
Praise for Mainoo's Talent and Resilience
Carrick highlighted Mainoo's ability to perform at a high level on big occasions, noting the midfielder's resilience. "I said earlier about coaches being able to cope with being here and at the level to deal with it. What Kobbie's done at such a young age is quite incredible really. We forget how young he still is. I was just a big fan of watching him play and knowing what he was capable of. So it wasn't really a big decision to play him."
He acknowledged the challenges Mainoo faced in regaining form after a period out of the team. "And, to be fair, it's not easy when you haven't played to find your rhythm and find your form. There are things he can get better at, things he can improve on, but we haven't really got started on any of that because we're just letting him go and find his flow and find his rhythm of playing football again."
Trust in Mainoo's Natural Ability
Carrick emphasized a hands-off approach to coaching Mainoo, trusting in the player's innate talent. "I've been really conscious of not giving him an awful lot—a couple of little pointers, a bit of positional things and some little bits here and there—but trust in what he is. He's a fantastic footballer and he's got a huge talent."
This strategic move by Carrick has not only revitalized Mainoo's career at Manchester United but also bolstered the team's midfield, contributing significantly to their recent unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
