Kobbie Mainoo: Schmeichel explains Carrick’s role in United ace’s rise

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a spectacular upturn in fortunes since Michael Carrick took charge at Old Trafford. The 21 year old, once considered the crown jewel of Carrington, endured a difficult stage in his career under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese’s much-discussed 3-4-3 system had no place for Mainoo, especially after Bruno Fernandes was deployed alongside Casemiro as a double pivot earlier this season. The Englishman, who caught the imagination of fans under former manager Erik ten Hag, subsequently became a peripheral figure under Amorim.

Mainoo was heavily linked with a temporary departure in January, but as fortune had it, it was the Portuguese head coach who left Old Trafford instead. United ran out of patience following a turbulent 14-month spell and appointed Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season.

That proved to be a turning point in Mainoo’s career as well, with the youngster now an indispensable part of the Red Devils’ starting XI. He has been key to United’s run of 10 wins in 14 games under Carrick, which has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table after 35 games.

The Casemiro-Mainoo partnership

While Mainoo’s poise and calmness endeared him to fans under Ten Hag, it is his newfound steel which has made him stand out under Carrick. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that the youngster is spending a lot of time with Casemiro behind the scenes, and the results are for all to see.

Mainoo has shared the pitch 50 times with the Brazilian in his career, and the two have been omnipresent under the caretaker manager as well. The young Englishman has started all but one of Carrick’s games in charge at Old Trafford, missing the 2-1 defeat to Leeds United due to injury.

Upon his return, Mainoo picked up where he left off, powering the club to three hard-fought wins against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool. Against the Reds last weekend, the Englishman put on a masterclass, scoring the winner and helping secure a 3-2 win.

His efforts have now earned him special praise from United legend Peter Schmeichel.

Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season

Kobbie looks fitter

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Ugly podcast, Schmeichel pointed out that Mainoo looks fitter than before. He said: “I saw Kobbie yesterday, he looks fitter than he has ever been, picked up a bit of pace as well. His style of play can look slow, it is deceptive, and he is not slow. He looked quick and he is an intelligent player.”

The former Danish custodian went on to laud Carrick for getting the best out of the youngster, adding: “Michael has looked after him and he has not pushed him. Some managers are nervous about their positions and are pushing the players before they should.”

“With Kobbie coming back into the team actually having an impact right from the beginning, I think that Michael, he’s seen that. And, you know, he’s taken so much care of him and trying to build him up as well.”

Final Thoughts

Mainoo has already committed his future at the Theatre of Dreams until 2031 and United now have to ensure they build their team around the youngster. With Casemiro set to leave this summer, the Red Devils must sign the perfect midfield partner for the English midfielder before the start of the new season.

Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Liverpool:

100% successful take-ons
89% pass accuracy
68 touches
7 ball recoveries
5 passes into the final third
2 fouls won
2 shots
1 goal

Match-winner. 🔝🔝🔝 pic.twitter.com/HvaYfV7HiR

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 3, 2026

Featured image by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

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