Manchester United are close to appointing Michael Carrick as their manager, and he's previously claimed that he would build around Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford.
Mainoo has struggled to make an impact at United this season, with Ruben Amorim preferring the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, and Casemiro in midfield over him. The England international was linked with a move away during Amorim's tenure, but with the Portuguese manager now sacked, it's an opportunity for Mainoo to work himself back into the side.
Darren Fletcher was appointed as interim manager following Amorim's sacking, and he handed Mainoo a rare start against Brighton last time out. With Carrick now close to joining the club, Mainoo will be hoping he can impress the new manager.
Carrick Previously Speaks Out on Man Utd Star Mainoo
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Back in 2025, Carrick sat down with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to discuss the current state of the club. When asked who he would build around, Carrick spoke fondly of Mainoo, who has struggled this season.
"Yeah (would build around Mainoo). I think for a club to have a player that's come through the academy and knows the club and feels it, I think Man Utd's got to have an element of that. They always have done and should always have that. To have a talent that he's shown already, you've got to have player that you can say 'right, they get it, they know it, let's help him, let's build him'. There's definitely a place for him there for sure."
Whether Carrick's stance has changed remains to be seen, but being a former midfielder himself, it's a huge boost for Mainoo knowing the soon-to-be United boss clearly rates him. GIVEMESPORT sources have confirmed that Carrick is close to being appointed as United's new manager for the remainder of the season.
Mainoo Needs to Take Chance With Both Hands
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It's an incredibly important year for Mainoo, not just with his club but also with his country. Mainoo played an important role at the previous international tournament with England, and the World Cup is just a few months away. The young midfielder will likely be desperate to be on the plan heading to the tournament, so he needs to impress Thomas Tuchel over the next few months.
Understandably, Mainoo isn't at the top of the shortlist to start in the middle of the park this summer, considering his lack of minutes, but a fresh start under Carrick could be what he needs to show Tuchel's he should be involved.