Kobbie Mainoo was given a unique set of instructions by Michael Carrick for Manchester United’s derby victory.
Under Ruben Amorim, it looked certain that Kobbie Mainoo would leave Manchester United, but his career at Old Trafford is being revived by Michael Carrick.
Mainoo starred in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City on the weekend, playing his first 90 minutes of a Premier League match all season.
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Amorim’s system did not suit Mainoo, but the 20-year-old made sure he made an impact on his return to the starting line-up.
Kobbie Mainoo running during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
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Kobbie Mainoo thrived in man-marking role for Man United
Amorim questioned Mainoo’s fitness and energy levels during his time as head coach, and the Carrington graduate made a statement with his running in the derby.
Incredibly, Mainoo covered more distance against City than any other United player has in a single league match this season. He covered 7.9 kilometres out of possession.
Should Kobbie Mainoo be an automatic starter under Michael Carrick now?
Kobbie Mainoo only needed 90 minutes to prove Ruben Amorim wrong!
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Analysis from Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports showcased the remarkable task that Mainoo did in regards to keeping Ballon d’Or winner Rodri quiet.
Carragher points out that Mainoo was constantly pressing and man-marking Rodri out of possession, often launching from his midfield position alongside Casemiro to starve the Spaniard of time and space.
“The thing to really look at is Kobbie Mainoo. He had a role all day to look after Rodri in that midfield. He was jumping out of central midfield,” Carragher said.
“A big problem for Manchester United in recent years has been Casemiro left alone in the centre of midfield. His midfield partner [Mainoo] has jumped to stop one of the best players in the world dictating the game.”
Kobbie Mainoo performance is reminiscent of Ji-Sung Park and Ander Herrera
Man-marking in midfield was often a tactic utilised by Sir Alex Ferguson at United, which is perhaps what influenced Carrick’s derby day plan.
United legend Ji-Sung Park was often used by Ferguson in this way because of his relentless running. In 2010 when United beat AC Milan in the Champions League, Park was tasked with marking Pirlo in midfield all match.
“Man Utd analysed Milan’s game and concluded that Pirlo is the key man for them. Sir Alex Ferguson made me man-mark Pirlo,” Park said via Goal.
“So, I tried to block him so that he cannot be in possession of the ball. When he had the ball, I tried to prevent him passing the ball in front of him.”
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Ferguson has famously said that he regrets not having Park perform a similar task on Lionel Messi in a Champions League final against Barcelona.
Jose Mourinho used a similar tactic with Ander Herrera on Chelsea star Eden Hazard, when the United midfielder was tasked to “follow him everywhere” in 2017.
It seems Mainoo has what it takes to perform a similar task for United in this current squad, and that makes him a valuable asset to whatever head coach is appointed in the summer.
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