Kobbie Mainoo was relegated to a decreased function beneath earlier head coach, Ruben Amorim. The arrival of interim head coach Michael Carrick has breathed new life into the profession of the promising 20-year-old midfielder.
Had Amorim not compelled himself out of the Previous Trafford dugout by means of his clashes with United’s hierarchy, Mainoo would have doubtless been despatched out on mortgage through the January switch window.
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Carrick has put in Mainoo in a central midfield partnership alongside Casemiro in a 4-4-2 formation. It’s a transfer that United supporters have been begging for all season lengthy.
Towards Manchester derby rivals , Mainoo stood out in his function of protecting the again 4, and he plugged areas to disclaim Metropolis assaults. His 83.5 excessive pressures per 90 minutes solely trails ‘s Merlin Rohl (88.7) amongst Premier League gamers.
What was most spectacular about Mainoo’s efficiency was that he was capable of step in and contribute closely to United’s 2-0 shutout victory over their intracity rivals, contemplating his lack of match sharpness.
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Mainoo’s Man United Profession Is Again on Monitor
Erling Haaland of Manchester Metropolis and Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United through the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester Metropolis at Previous Trafford on January 17, 2026, in Manchester, England. (Picture by Copa/Getty Photos)Copa/Getty Photos
(Copa/Getty Photos)
There’s no cause why Mainoo’s profession ought to have stalled at Previous Trafford. He instantly impressed as a young person and earned a nomination for Premier League Younger Participant of the Season at age 18.
The 5-foot-9 midfielder has proven all through his younger profession that he’s a big-match participant. He impressed former supervisor Gareth Southgate into making him a beginning XI common at Euro 2024.
Mainoo grew to become the youngest England participant to look in a semifinal of a serious event, and he began in England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain within the Euro 2024 last.
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He scored his first skilled purpose in opposition to bitter rivals , and he delivered the profitable purpose in United’s 2-1 victory over Man Metropolis within the 2024 FA Cup Ultimate, incomes himself the Man of the Match.
Now, he’s being given a second life. Carrick’s perception in him might change the trajectory of his profession, and the Crimson Devils will profit from giving him the event that he requires to make good on his star potential.
This story was initially revealed by on Jan 19, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a