Kobbie Mainoo has gone from a player linked with a loan move to Napoli to a key midfielder for Manchester United. Michael Carrick has played a major role in that turnaround.
The Guardian reported that Mainoo has been one of United’s strongest performers in the matches against Ipswich, Everton and Sabah. He also completed 201 of 211 passes across his last three games.
Fabrizio Romano previously revealed how close Mainoo came to leaving on loan for Napoli during the January window. The midfielder’s position changed after Michael Carrick took charge.
Mainoo is central to Carrick’s midfield
Kobbie Mainoo is now receiving the ball deeper, helping control the tempo and playing with more freedom. That role was visible in United’s 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah, where he again underlined his value in possession and without the ball.
The summer arrivals of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba increased competition in midfield. Mainoo has not lost his place in the process. Instead, the competition has coincided with a clear rise in his level.
For Manchester United, the change has a wider meaning. The club now has a homegrown midfielder who can set the rhythm of attacks and support the team’s defensive work. A player once considered for a loan is becoming one of Carrick’s most trusted options.
