Manchester United interim boss Michael Carrick has already made his feelings clear on Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick, with Kobbie Mainoo inset
Michael Carrick has already waxed lyrical about Kobbie Mainoo's capabilities (Image credit: Future)

Michael Carrick has already made his feelings known regarding Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

Carrick, who is set to be appointed as the Red Devils' interim head coach, previously enjoyed 12 years at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, as well as the UEFA Champions League in 2008.

Michael Carrick has already delivered his verdict on Kobbie Mainoo

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After starting for England at the Euro 2024 final against Spain, Mainoo's drop off at Old Trafford has been particularly frustrating for most football fans to watch.

With the Red Devils crying out for a midfielder, Amorim chose not to utilise the United academy graduate, instead insisting time and time again that his 3-4-2-1 system didn't allow for him to play in one of the roles in the middle of the park.

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (Image credit: Getty Images)

As such, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte had often been the three called upon by Amorim, but with Carrick's appointment brings new hope.

In fact, in 90.32 per cent of Middlesbrough league matches under Carrick at the helm, the former Spurs man opted to use a 4-2-3-1 system, something which will come as music to the ears of Mainoo.

“Yeah,” was Carrick’s immediate reply when asked if Manchester United should be building a team around their talented no.37.

“I think for a club to have a player that’s come through the academy and knows the club and feels it… I think Man United’s got to have an element of that. [They] always have done and always will.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Michael Carrick TV presenter during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal CF at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)

Michael Carrick has made his feelings known on Mainoo (Image credit: Getty Images)

“I think to have a talent like he’s shown already, you’ve got to have players like that, where you say, ‘Right, they get it. They know it.’

“Let’s help them, let’s build them and stick with them. There’s definitely a place for him there, for sure.”

Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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