Michael Carrick has given a glowing assessment of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and highlighted improvement in his game.
Mainoo's career got back on track when Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim as head coach in January. The English youngster had dropped down the pecking order at Old Trafford and speculation grew over a possible departure.
Since Carrick returned to the United dugout, Mainoo has been one of his most prominent players. He reclaimed a starting spot in his team and produced several standout performances last season including scoring the winner in a 3-2 win over Liverpool.
Michael Carrick Talks Up 'Hardworking' Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo has fresh competition in midfield following three new arrivals this summer. Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba have joined him in Carrick's squad but he appears to still be the main man for his coach in the middle of the park.
The 21-year-old started and impressed in a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town last weekend. He is preparing to face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday as the Red Devils look to make it two wins out of three.
Carrick spoke about Mainoo ahead of the game and delved into his development. He said (via Manchester Evening News):
"I think obviously Kobbie made big strides last season from finishing the season so strong and played ever so well last week again... You can see in him his development and how much he's improving certain aspects of his game. He wants to learn, is hungry to learn, wants more all the time, which is great."
Mainoo hadn't started a single Premier League game under Amorim last season but Carrick immediately reinstated him into his regular starting lineup. His improved game time led to a contract extension being signed in April much to the delight of fans.
Carrick insisted that Mainoo is working hard to only get better and help United:
"Because he has had a really good eight months since I've been in, and it would be easy for him to think, 'This is all right, you know, I've got in the team, played a lot of games, and everything's good.' But he's pushing for more, as he should."
Mainoo is a product of United's esteemed academy and rose through the club's youth ranks before debuting aged 17 under Erik ten Hag in January 2023. If he appears against Everton as expected he'll be making his 105th appearance for his boyhood club.
'Fight for Him' - Mainoo on Playing For Carrick
Mainoo has loved life under Carrick who has given him the freedom to express himself in midfield. Arguably one of his best performances in a United shirt came in the win against Liverpool at Old Trafford back in May when he scored a sensational winner in front of the Stretford End.
Speaking after that game, the Stockport-born midfielder made clear his thoughts on his coach (via BBC Sport):
"You want to follow him. You want to fight for him. You want to die for him on the pitch."
Mainoo earned a place in England's squad for the World Cup off the back of his resurgence but didn't play a single minute for the Three Lions. This frustrated United fans who believe he is one of the best ball-playing talents in English football.
If the Red Devils are to have a successful season, Carrick will need the Englishman to be at his best. There are now three new midfielders whom he can partner throughout the campaign including Baleba who is set to return from injury later this month.
