Michael Carrick's view on Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United is clear as he closes in on returning to Old Trafford as caretaker manager.
Carrick has been out of work since being sacked by Championship side Middlesbrough in the summer and has been in the frame to take the reins at his former club until the end of the season.
United have held conversations with both Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about the position after sacking Ruben Amorim following a reported fall-out with the club's top brass.
Darren Fletcher stepped up from the Under 18's as interim boss for games against Burnley and Brighton but according to widespread reports, including ESPN, United are hoping to confirm the next boss in the next 48 hours.
While a decision is not final, Carrick appears to be in pole position as he has plenty of internal support at United.
Carrick's last managerial job was at Middlesbrough. Image: Getty
Carrick's last managerial job was at Middlesbrough. Image: Getty
And with Carrick looking on course to get the job, his comments on midfielder Mainoo have resurfaced to give an insight into how he would work with the England midfielder.
After becoming a key player for United, scoring in the FA Cup final and shining for England at Euro 2024, Mainoo's development has stunted and he found himself struggling for minutes under Amorim.
Denied the chance to move on loan in the summer, Mainoo was given the loudest cheer at Old Trafford on Sunday when he was handed a rare start in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton.
United fans will no doubt be hoping the 20-year-old can get a new lease of life under Carrick, who played 464 times for the Red Devils.
A few months back, Carrick sat down with Rio Ferdinand Presents, with his former teammate asking what he would be saying to Mainoo after a dip.
Carrick is said to be in pole position to become United's caretaker manager. Image: Getty
Carrick is said to be in pole position to become United's caretaker manager. Image: Getty
"I think it's normal," Carrick said.
"My third year at West Ham, I was terrible. I came out of the England squad, I just couldn't put it together. I think it's a little bit different for him, it can happen for so many players.
"[You've got to] stick at it and keep believing. It's tough at times. You need people to stick with you and believe in you and trust you, telling you you're doing the right things and you're good enough - all that stuff.
"I think we're quite quick from season to season or six months to six months to say, 'He's good enough, he's not good enough'. We were given a lot more time."
Carrick signed for United from Spurs in an £18.6 million switch in 2006, replacing legendary captain Roy Keane and taking the Irishman's No.16 shirt.
He went on to win five Premier League titles, three League Cups, the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup.
Carrick joined Jose Mourinho's coaching staff after retirement and stayed on under Solskjaer. When the Norwegian was sacked, Carrick filled in as interim boss for three games and enjoyed a three-game unbeaten run with two wins and one draw.
At Middlesbrough, he had a 46.32 win percentage after taking charge of 136 games.