Michael Carrick oversaw a 4-0 win on Manchester United's return to the Champions League on Thursday night and he was full of praise for Kobbie Mainoo after the game.
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick
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Michael Carrick praised Kobbie Mainoo's impact on the Manchester United team in the aftermath of his side's 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League.
Mainoo was one of the best players on the pitch for the second game running, producing a skilful display in midfield as United marked their return to the Champions League in style.
Having looked destined for an exit under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo is now one of United's most important players and Carrick lauded the midfielder's ability and attitude after the win over Sabah.
"He's a fantastic player, Kobbie. It's pretty obvious to see with the way he's performing, playing that little bit deeper and connecting the attacks and starting the attacks. He's having a massive influence on our games.
"He's a real joy to have, he wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to listen and he expresses himself on the pitch, it's great to see."
Mainoo is part of a United midfield that has seen a lot of change over the last few months. An overhaul of that area of the squad took place in the summer, with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba all arriving at Old Trafford.
While Baleba is yet to make his United debut due to injury, Santos and Tielemans both played their part on Thursday night, with the latter starring in the centre of the pitch. It was put to Carrick that United's new-look midfield is slowly starting to click into gear and he was asked to explain the changes he was trying to bring to United's midfield.
"We've got good players, that helps! It was nice to be able to get Andrey [Santos] and Mason [Mount] on for the second half and keep seeing the same things," he said.
"It's been a little bit on the connections, the combinations, taking the ball and playing close together at times. We've got the technical ability to be able to take the ball in the middle of the pitch. That's what they're good at so we're just trying to play to their strengths."