Manchester United took a huge step in the right direction under Michael Carrick last season, as the 44-year-old led the club to a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
The temporary boss only lost two of his 17 league games at the helm, subsequently resulting in INEOS handing the former first-team star a permanent contract at Old Trafford.
However, if he is to build on the success he achieved during the closing stages of last term, it’s crucial the hierarchy hand him the opportunity to improve the senior squad.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have both joined the Red Devils during the ongoing window, but it would be a surprise to no one to see one player maintain his place at the heart of the side.
Why Mainoo will remain Carrick’s No 1 midfield option for United
Despite being left in the cold by former boss Ruben Amorim, Carrick made it a priority to bring academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo back into the fold at United last season.
The 21-year-old featured in all but one game during the manager’s temporary reign and played a vital part of the Red Devils’ success to secure a return to Champions League football.
K Mainoo
As a result, the youngster was called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the recent World Cup - but was one of just two outfield players who failed to make a single appearance at the tournament.
However, despite the snub from the German, he will no doubt have a huge role to play for Carrick once again next term - especially if he can replicate his numbers from last term.
Fewest mins played by outfielders for England at the World Cup
Player
Kobbie Mainoo
Trevoh Chalobah
Ivan Toney
Ollie Watkins
Jordan Henderson
Dan Burn
Jarell Quansah
Eberechi Eze
Mainoo completed 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 in England’s top-flight last term, highlighting his talent with the ball at his feet, whilst also placing him above 94% of players in his position.
He also achieved an 89% pass completion rate in the Premier League, with such a tally the highest of any midfielder on the Red Devils’ books throughout 2025/26.
The Englishman has proven to be a phenomenal ball-playing option since Carrick’s arrival, but he may need a ball-winner alongside him next term to cover for the departed Casemiro.
How United can land a player who’s perfect for Mainoo
United’s hunt for a third central midfielder this summer has been ongoing over the last couple of weeks, but so far, their efforts have been to no avail.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone and Danilo have all constantly been mentioned over recent weeks, but no agreement has been reached to land any of the aforementioned talents.
Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal in action with France's Maxence Lacroix and Manu Kone
As a result, other options have been considered by the hierarchy, which has seen a return to a deal for Brighton star Carlos Baleba become a distinct possibility this window.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the Red Devils’ hunt on YouTube, stating: “It’s my understanding that those close to the player have been in contact with United to suggest the possibility of a transfer.
“He’s a name who was high on their list a year ago, but the player is super keen about Man Utd, now it depends on the club whether they want to proceed or not.”
The Red Devils’ interest in the Cameroonian is certainly long-standing, but what could he add to Carrick’s side upon any move to Old Trafford this summer?
His stats from the recent Premier League campaign highlight his tremendous ability in defensive areas - something which the hierarchy have desperately been hunting for in recent weeks.
The 22-year-old managed to register a staggering 11.3 defensive contributions per 90, whilst making 1.6 interceptions per 90 for the Seagulls throughout 2025/26.
Both of the aforementioned figures ranked the youngster in the top 20% of all midfielders in Europe’s top-five leagues - highlighting his talent at disrupting the opposition.
Such numbers will be music to the ears of current United star Mainoo, who could have the perfect deep-lying option alongside him to allow him to create carnage with the ball in forward areas.
Carlos-Baleba-Cunha
Baleba also managed to win 5.5 ground duels per 90, whilst achieving a 58% aerial success rate - further demonstrating his ability to regain possession for his side.
His tally of 5.7 ball recoveries per 90 last term reaffirms his excellent performances without the ball - backing up Eduardo Hagn’s praise that he’s a “monster prospect.”
A fee of £75m has previously been mooted for the Brighton star’s talent signature this summer, with such a deal allowing the Red Devils to finally land their third midfield target.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba in action with Everton's Idrissa Gueye
His experience in England’s top-flight could be vital to Carrick’s side in their hunt to mount a charge for the Premier League title during the 2026/27 campaign.
A partnership of Mainoo and Baleba in front of the backline could be one which thrives at the heart of United’s midfield for the next decade at the very least.
Youri-Tielemans-1 Related
[Why INEOS would "love" to sign another Youri Tielemans at Man Utd](https://www.footballfancast.com/why-ineos-would-love-to-sign-another-tielemans-scott-at-man-utd/ "Why INEOS would "love" to sign another Youri Tielemans at Man Utd")
Another midfielder in the mould of Youri Tielemans could be on his way to Man Utd.