Kobbie Mainoo has been back in the fold under Michael Carrick, after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, which prompted question marks over his Manchester United future
Bruna Reis and Amie Wilson
14:45, 10 Feb 2026Updated 14:55, 10 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick points on the touchline
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Michael Carrick has turned to Kobbie Mainoo - and he's impressed in recent Premier League games(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Manchester United's previous plans to loan out Kobbie Mainoo for the rest of the campaign allegedly left several Premier League clubs - along with Italian champions Napoli - completely bewildered. Mainoo endured a difficult start to the season under former manager Ruben Amorim and didn't manage a single Premier League start before the Portuguese head coach's departure in December.
At one stage, Mainoo looked set for a temporary move away, until interim Michael Carrick intervened. Napoli were especially keen to secure the 21-year-old on a short-term deal for the remainder of the season, while the midfielder also attracted interest from Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton.
Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have both made the switch to Napoli prior - McTominay permanently and Hojlund on loan - and the pair have thrived since leaving Old Trafford. Napoli manager Antonio Conte was keen to add another United star to his squad following their excellent performances.
Kobbie Mainoo walking inside Old Trafford
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Kobbie Mainoo has re-established himself in the Man Utd team under Michael Carrick(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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According to The Telegraph, there was genuine disbelief in Naples that United were contemplating letting Mainoo go. Similar reactions were reportedly shared by many Premier League clubs, who had shown interest in landing the youngster on loan.
During Amorim's spell in charge, he regularly stressed his wish for players to 'stay and fight' rather than flee at the first sign of trouble - criticising what he saw as an 'entitlement' attitude among certain academy products.
He had also highlighted ex-Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro as a perfect example of a player who transformed his approach and fought his way back into the starting XI, declaring: "When I see Casemiro training, if everyone trains like him, if everyone is so focused on the detail, even in training, in set-pieces training, even when they are playing ten versus goalkeeper, and the movements that he made, imagining the game, we will be a top team.
"If everyone works like Casemiro, and when I say work it's not just running, it's that focus. You can understand why that guy won five Champions Leagues, because if you pay attention to everything that he does with contract, with no contract, he's top player."
Many viewed that as another barely-disguised swipe at Mainoo - if not others.
The Mirror also disclosed that, after Carrick's appointment, Mainoo was told he would be included in the squad for the remainder of the season.
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This came with clear directions to focus on reclaiming his position at his boyhood club, while proving that Amorim had erred in dropping him.
Since Carrick assumed control, Mainoo has been selected in the club's starting XI against Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham. He's also anticipated to be in contention to start their clash at relegation-threatened West Ham on Tuesday (8pm).
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