Manchester United completed their much-hyped midfield rebuild in the summer, bringing in three new faces to the club.
Youri Tielemans has slowly started to hit his stride, while Andrey Santos impressed in pre-season. Unfortunately, Carlos Baleba remains sidelined.
However, it is Kobbie Mainoo who has stolen the show, once again highlighting how crucial it was for INEOS to keep a hold of him.
The Carrington graduate was close to leaving in January, with former head coach Ruben Amorim not a fan of the Englishman.
Kobbie Mainoo struggled under Amorim and it was Carrick who rescued him
The Portuguese tactician’s departure and Michael Carrick‘s subsequent appointment changed the 21-year-old’s fortunes.
The former United midfielder placed his trust in Kobbie Mainoo, whose form skyrocketed as a result. Impressive displays in the Manchester derby and against Liverpool saw him make the England World Cup squad as well.
Thomas Tuchel, like Amorim, also did not turn to the United No.37, and once again, Carrick’s reassuring words helped the England international return to Old Trafford and display his usual swagger.
According to Fabrizio Romano, INEOS are delighted with Kobbie Mainoo and the progress he has shown since signing a new contract.
INEOS delighted with Kobbie Mainoo and Carrick
The co-owners are grateful to Carrick for solving the crisis and helping them save a lot of money.
“Talking about Manchester United, I wanted to mention how HAPPY everyone at the club is with Kobbie Mainoo. It’s about Michael Carrick. It’s about the club. In less than one year, basically eight or nine months, EVERYTHING has changed around Kobbie.
“Remember, in the January window, before Ruben Amorim was fired by Manchester United, Kobbie was almost going on loan to Napoli. The deal was really concrete and very advanced. Then United changed manager. Michael Carrick arrived and Mainoo immediately became a CRUCIAL part of the project.
“Now, United are delighted with Kobbie. He signed a new deal, he’s considered a big part of the present and future project, and the player is also very happy. So life has completely changed around Kobbie Mainoo, and at the club they’re convinced this was a really smart move.
Carrick’s impact at the club
“One of the crucial things Michael Carrick did wasn’t just about the results or what he achieved during his six months as interim coach and then permanent coach — it was how he managed the Kobbie Mainoo situation. That was SUPER appreciated by the club, and even more so now as Kobbie is doing very, very well.”
Carrick will once again be turning to the Stockport-born star to help the team emerge victorious in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
