Michael Carrick Backs Kobbie Mainoo As The Midfield Star United Nearly Lost

Manchester United fans have seen enough false dawns over the years, but the revival of Kobbie Mainoo feels different. It feels real. And according to manager Michael Carrick, the belief behind the 20-year-old’s comeback isn’t new at all. It has simply been waiting for the right moment to breathe again.

A Talent United Almost Let Slip

Before Carrick stepped in as interim manager, Mainoo’s season had stalled in a way that baffled supporters. Former coach Ruben Amorim barely used him, leaving him without a single Premier League start and offering only a few scattered minutes from the bench.

It was a strange fate for a player once earmarked as the next big thing at Old Trafford, especially after his electric breakthrough seasons. The feeling around the club was that something special was being wasted.

Carrick’s Long Memory And Longer Faith

Carrick, though, never forgot who Mainoo was. Speaking to the BBC, he explained that their connection stretches back years.

He first worked with Mainoo when the young midfielder was barely a teenager, during the early days of Carrick’s coaching journey. Even then, the class was obvious.

Carrick said he always knew Mainoo was capable of handling the pressure of United’s midfield, despite still being so young. For him, restoring the youngster to the starting line-up wasn’t some bold gamble. It was simply common sense.

Under Carrick, Mainoo hasn’t just returned to the team. He has reclaimed his rhythm, playing every minute available and already registering two assists. The way Carrick describes it, the plan is simple: keep the pointers minimal, trust the player, and let him find his natural flow.

Letting A Young Star Breathe Again

Carrick’s approach is the opposite of over-coaching. He is careful not to overload Mainoo with tactical details. Instead, he encourages instinct, confidence and continuity.

Mainoo is still far from his ceiling, and Carrick openly acknowledges that. But he believes the best way to unlock that growth is to give the youngster space to play freely without fear.

A Decision That Sparked Debate

Amorim’s earlier refusal to play Mainoo has been widely criticised. Former United defender Gary Neville even described it as the worst decision of the Portuguese manager’s reign, arguing that it halted the youngster’s momentum. Many supporters felt the same: keeping a rising star on ice made no sense.

Now, with Carrick in charge, there is relief more than anything else. Relief that a talent nurtured through United’s academy is back where he belongs.

A Fresh Start For A Future Leader?

Mainoo’s story is still unfolding, but this chapter feels like a turning point. With Carrick’s backing, he has regained his confidence, his place in the team, and his sense of purpose.

For a club hungry for identity and long-term stability, Mainoo represents everything Manchester United once stood for. Homegrown talent. Courage in possession. A player who embodies the joy of football.

And this time, it looks like he’s here to stay.

{Source:SABC Sport}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com