Manchester United defeated Tottenham in the Premier Leagueplaceholder image
Manchester United defeated Tottenham in the Premier League | Getty Images
Man Utd defeated Tottenham Hotspur to extend their winning run under Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick believes there is even more to come from Kobbie Mainoo as he continued his rejuvenated spell at the heart of the Manchester United midfield.
The 20-year-old had not started a Premier League match this season before the appointment of Carrick, but has now started all four of his matches as head coach. Mainoo produced another excellent performance on Saturday lunchtime as United extended their winning run to four matches under the new head coach.
Carrick is well aware of what it takes to shine in the heart of the United midfield, but is also aware that he needs to do more if he is to become one of the best in the world. Mainoo is expected to keep his place in the starting line up when they travel to face West Ham in the Premier League in midweek and will hope to show further signs of improvement.
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Carrick gives Mainoo verdict
Manchester United's midfield was one of their biggest weaknesses under Ruben Amorim but now looks to be one of their biggest strengths under Michael Carrick. The head coach has switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation that uses Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo as a central partnership, with Bruno Fernandes utilised in his favoured attacking midfield role.
Asked if Mainoo was back to his previous best in his formation, Carrick told reporters: "There is no doubt Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring," he said after the Tottenham win. "He is still so young and let's be careful about putting so much on his shoulders and expecting so much from him. He's still learning the game. He has had the big high and then didn't play for a bit. It is easier to think he is a lot older and more experienced than he is.
"Credit to him. He's come right in and found his rhythm of football, which is not easy after a period of time out. He has found that physically and mentally. We know he can handle the ball, and hopefully he will keep improving. We have got to be patient and not expect too much all the time."
When asked if Mainoo could get even better than he is now, the United head coach added: "There is definitely more to come, that is the stage he is at in his career. Learning the game, playing next to Case and learning off him, things he isn’t even realising he is picking up. That is part of his journey to learn and develop. Young players have times with the rough and the dip. Kobbie is what he is."
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