Interim Manager Michael Carrick of Manchester United speaks during a press conference at Carrington Training Ground on December
Michael Carrick has taken over as Man Utd's interim manager (Image: Getty Images)
Newly appointed Manchester United manager Michael Carrick echoes Sir Alex Ferguson's sentiment that Kobbie Mainoo is the lifeblood of the club. Carrick, a former United midfielder, was unveiled as the interim head coach on Tuesday, a role he will hold until the end of the season. The 44-year-old steps in following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim last week, having previously held the reins at United for three games in 2021 after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure.
The shape and style of a Carrick-led United remains to be seen. However, his past remarks suggest that the sidelined youngster Mainoo may be poised for a comeback. Mainoo's rise to prominence at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag was nothing short of spectacular, with the academy graduate playing a pivotal role in their 2024 FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. However, the Stockport-born midfielder found himself sidelined under Amorim, who frequently overlooked Mainoo despite a dearth of midfield options.
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The 20-year-old reportedly considered leaving United but could now find salvation under Carrick, particularly given the manager's previous comments. In a conversation with fellow United legend Rio Ferdinand last year, Carrick was asked if he would build the midfield around Mainoo.
Michael Carrick weighed in on the importance of academy talent at Old Trafford, stating: "Yeah, 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 United's got to have an element of that. It always has done and always should have.
"To have a talent like Mainoo, which he's shown already, you've got to have players like that [in the team], players that you can say, 'They get it. They know it. Let's help them and stick with them'. I think there's definitely a place for him there, for sure."
These remarks followed speculation linking Kobbie Mainoo with a summer switch to Napoli, though manager Ruben Amorim reportedly vetoed any such departure. Carrick's views echo those of United icon Sir Alex Ferguson, who built his dynasty on the foundations of the famed Class of '92.
Kobbie Mainoo reacts
Kobbie Mainoo wanted to leave Man Utd in the summer (Image: Getty Images)
The legendary Scot emphasised the vital role of homegrown talent in preserving United's DNA when asked about Mainoo and the recently departed Alejandro Garnacho in 2024.
Sir Alex told TikToker Jamal Niaz: "It's the foundation, isn't it? It's the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.
"They're young. What they're showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it. In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have. It's a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age]."
Carrick's plans for utilising Mainoo are yet to be revealed, especially considering his previous remarks to Ferdinand where he envisioned the young player in an attacking midfield role. Carrick stated: "He's more of an attacker. I don't see him as a holding midfielder. He's that line above where he needs a little bit more freedom.
"He can defend the higher line, but I think that bit deeper, around the centre-backs, that's a bit of a different thing. I see him playing that little bit higher and creating. I think he's got a massive future. I really like him, he just needs that patience and a little bit of a break again."