Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a fresh start under interim head coach Michael Carrick, making his first Premier League start of the season in the win against Man City
Kobbie Mainoo complements Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United's starting XI
Kobbie Mainoo complements Bruno Fernandes in Manchester United's starting XI(Image: Getty Images)
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Kobbie Mainoo helps bring the best out of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, with the youngster starting Michael Carrick's first two games in charge this month. Mainoo has been given a fresh role after previously struggling for minutes under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Those difficulties led to speculation over his future, with the player himself requesting a loan move last summer with exit rumours continuing into January. Napoli showed interest in a potential move but the midfielder now looks set to remain at Old Trafford, with Carrick ready to play a key part in his development.
Mainoo hadn't started a Premier League game this season until last weekend's Manchester derby speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Hasselbaink has discussed how influential Mainoo can be for United and urged him to keep progressing.
"He needs to keep on doing what he's doing at the moment for Man United," the former Chelsea striker said. "It's only two matches, but he needs to stay, first of all, in the team, and he needs to play at this level.
"We talk about Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 position: he makes Bruno Fernandes play better.
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has been given a new opportunity under Michael Carrick at Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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"Because he gives him the ball in tight areas and he takes the ball in tight areas. He gives him [it and says] 'go on, go and play'. That's what he can do."
Hasselbaink saw Mainoo's talents first hand when he coached in the England setup with United's interim assistant head coach Steve Holland. He said: "He's (Mainoo) very confident on the ball. At times in training, me and Steve Holland were looking at ourselves when Steve was doing some drills on the pitch, we're looking at ourselves when he has the ball and it's just so beautiful to see, you know.
"The boy can play, and he wants to play, and he's not scared to play. That's really what you need."
With the World Cup approaching, Mainoo will be eager to maintain his strong form as he pushes for a place in Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Meanwhile, Carrick is confident the 20-year-old will continue to grow under his guidance. "I think part of a career is a few ups and downs and sometimes it goes in different trajectories," he said.
"But I think we’ve seen last week what Kobbie can bring. It was great. He's quite straight-faced and he doesn't give you an awful lot, but you could see the way he played and he expressed himself.
"He was enjoying himself and to see him like that was great."