Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Manchester United amid limited game time concerns, while Michael Carrick has been appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season
Kobbie Mainoo looks on
Kobbie Mainoo is potentially considering his future at Manchester United(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick may have precious little time to persuade Kobbie Mainoo to stay at Manchester United, if recent speculation proves accurate. The 44-year-old was confirmed as the Red Devils' interim manager on Tuesday evening, temporarily replacing Ruben Amorim who was dismissed earlier this month.
While Carrick will be keen to steer United towards the best possible Premier League finish as the campaign's second-half unfolds, the former midfielder must also focus on building rapport with the squad he's inherited. One player Carrick would do well to prioritise is undoubtedly Mainoo.
The 20-year-old endured limited opportunities under Amorim, starting just once this season under the Portuguese boss in a humiliating Carabao Cup tie against Grimsby Town, where United were knocked out on penalties. Although Darren Fletcher gave the youngster a chance in last weekend's FA Cup match against Brighton, supporters are anxious to discover Carrick's intentions for Mainoo.
According to the Mail, Mainoo's relationship with the United hierarchy is "fragile" following his failure to secure a new contract last year. The midfielder is also believed to have no intention of remaining at Old Trafford if his playing time continues to be restricted.
It comes as numerous clubs have been linked with Mainoo recently, with Napoli reportedly leading the race for his signature. The Italian giants have already shown a sharp instinct for identifying Manchester United talent, with Scott McTominay flourishing following his switch to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in 2024, reports the Mirror.
The Scotland midfielder was crowned the division's MVP during his maiden campaign, whilst also playing a pivotal role in Napoli's Serie A triumph. Consequently, Carrick now faces a deadline at the close of the transfer window to resolve matters with Mainoo, or potentially see the promising youngster depart - either temporarily or on a permanent basis.
This development follows Carrick's appointment as United's new interim head coach on Tuesday evening. In an official statement published on Manchester United's website, the club announced: "Manchester United is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach of the men's first team until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Michael Carrick poses for a photograph
Michael Carrick is the new interim Manchester United head coach(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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"Carrick played 464 games for the club, winning five Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
"He joined the first-team coaching staff when he retired in 2018 and served under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Following Solskjaer's departure, Carrick led the club with distinction during his role as caretaker manager."
Carrick, speaking about his new role, added: "Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour. I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
Kobbie Mainoo reacts
Kobbie Mainoo could be on the move this month(Image: Getty Images)
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"I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here. There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves."
Elsewhere, Jason Wilcox said of the appointment: "Michael is an excellent coach and knows exactly what it takes to win at Manchester United. He is ready to lead our talented and determined group of players for the remainder of the season as we continue to build the club towards regular and sustained success."