Michael Carrick shares Sir Alex Ferguson’s vision when it comes to Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United
New Manchester United manager Michael Carrick agrees with Sir Alex Ferguson that Kobbie Mainoo is the heart and soul of the club.
Former United midfielder Carrick was announced as the team’s interim head coach on Tuesday, a position he will hold until the end of the season. The 44-year-old takes over following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week, having previously taken charge of United as caretaker manager for three games in 2021, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal.
It remains to be seen what United under Carrick will look like and how he will set the team up. But his previous comments indicate out-of-favour youngster Mainoo will return to the fore.
Mainoo enjoyed a meteoric rise at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag after coming through the academy, most notably playing a crucial role in their 2024 FA Cup victory over Manchester City. Yet, the Stockport-born midfielder was left frustrated by his lack of minutes under Amorim, who regularly snubbed Mainoo despite his own lack of midfield options.
The 20-year-old reportedly looked to depart United but could now be offered a lifeline under Carrick, especially when taking into account what the manager said in the past. Speaking to fellow club legend Rio Ferdinand last year, Carrick was asked if he would build the midfield around Mainoo.
Carrick replied: “Yeah, 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. It always has done and always should have.
“To have a talent like Mainoo, which he’s shown already, you’ve got to have players like that [in the team], players that you can say, ‘They get it. They know it. Let’s help them and stick with them’. I think there’s definitely a place for him there, for sure.”
His comments came shortly after reports emerged of Mainoo seeking a move to Napoli in the summer, only for Amorim to block his transfer. Carrick’s belief also mirrors that of legendary Old Trafford boss Ferguson, who famously relied heavily on academy graduates such as the Class of ‘92.
The Scot reiterated that homegrown youngsters were crucial to United’s identity when responding to a question specifically about Mainoo and the now departed Alejandro Garnacho in 2024.
Sir Alex told TikToker Jamal Niaz: “It’s the foundation, isn’t it? It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.
“They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it. In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].”
How Carrick utilises Mainoo remains to be seen, given his previous comments where he told Ferdinand he sees the youngster as an attacking midfield player. Carrick said: “He’s more of an attacker. I don’t see him as a holding midfielder. He’s that line above where he needs a little bit more freedom.
“He can defend the higher line, but I think that bit deeper, around the centre-backs, that’s a bit of a different thing. I see him playing that little bit higher and creating. I think he’s got a massive future. I really like him, he just needs that patience and a little bit of a break again.”
