Michael Carrick urges Man United to build around youngster who ‘knows the club'
Former Manchester United star Michael Carrick believes midfielder Kobbie Mainoo should be central to the club’s plan.
The England international is a product of United’s academy and won the 2022/2023 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
He made his first team debut in January 2023, as a substitute in a Carabao Cup clash against Charlton Athletic.
Mainoo then became a vital player in the 2023/2024 campaign. He played 35 games across all competitions and provided eight goal involvements.
However, his development stalled last season due to injuries and his failure to impress regularly under manager Ruben Amorim.
Carrick admires the United academy graduate and believes the club should build the team around him, citing his academy roots.
He told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “I think for a club to have a player that has come through the academy, knows the club and feels it — that’s massive.”
“To have a talent like that, as he’s already shown, you’ve got to say: ‘Right, he gets it, he knows it — let’s help him, build on him, and stick with him.’ I think there’s definitely a place for him.”
Mainoo faces an uncertain future under Amorim
The English youngster’s best position in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system is the left-sided number 10 role.
Mainoo’s best performance under the Portuguese coach was in the UEFA Europa League victory over Romanian side FCSB.
He provided one goal and an assist in the fixture, playing as a number 10, and Amorim admitted that he played ‘very well’ there.
However, he only played as the number 10 just three times after his impressive outing against FCSB due to injuries and form.
Further complicating his chances of securing a starting berth is the arrival of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha — with the duo poised to be the first choice number 10s next season.
Mainoo now risks becoming a squad player next term unless he forces his way into the starting line-up.
Stats from transfermarkt.com
Article written by Henry Thornton .