Kobbie Mainoo's situation at Manchester United has taken a fresh twist since Michael Carrick was appointed interim manager. The midfielder endured a difficult first half of the campaign under Ruben Amorim, who denied him a single Premier League start. Mainoo was unhappy at United in the summer and asked to leave the club on loan, but saw his request turned down.
The youngster's situation led to rumours of a potential January exit, with Napoli thought to be among the interested parties. However, his fortunes have drastically improved since Amorim was relieved of his duties earlier this month. Mainoo was picked to start the FA Cup defeat to Brighton and played the full 90 minutes in the Manchester derby over the weekend.
He is now preparing to stay at United, according to the Daily Mail, having been restored to the first-team picture under Carrick.
The report claims Mainoo has been informed that he will remain a key player until the end of the season, so long as he maintains his form.
He had agreed a new contract towards the end of last season that was yet to be signed off under Amorim, who gave Mainoo his sole start in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Carrick, meanwhile, has long been effusive in his praise of the United academy graduate. Last year, he suggested the Red Devils should build their team around Mainoo while speaking to former team-mate Rio Ferdinand.
"For a club to have a player that's come through the academy and knows it, United have got to have an element of that, always has done, always should do," said Carrick.
"To have a talent like that, as he's shown already, you've got to have players like that. They get it, they know it, let's build around them. There's definitely a place for him [Mainoo] there, for sure."
Asked where he would play Mainoo if he was United manager, Carrick said at the time: "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 completely. I see him playing that little bit higher and creating. I think he's got a massive future."
Carrick deployed Mainoo in a slightly deeper role in the Manchester derby, which allowed him to show off the combative side of his game. He registered 77 pressures as the Red Devils claimed the local bragging rights at Old Trafford.
It remains to be seen if his new contract will finally materialise over the coming months, with Mainoo seemingly back in the fold at United.