Manchester United made a winning return to UEFA Champions League football after two seasons by beating Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford yesterday.
Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko and Lisandro Martinez scored for Man United as the visitors struggled to find any chemistry in the final third.
Kobbie Mainoo has started the 2026-27 season strongly and delivered another superb display.
Speaking after the game, head coach Michael Carrick lavished praise on the young midfielder.
He said (via Football On TNT Sports): “He’s a fantastic player, Kobbie.
“I think it’s pretty obvious to see, you know, the way he’s performing, playing that little bit deeper really and connecting the attack, starting the attacks and having a massive influence on our games.
“So he’s a real joy to kind of have. He wants to learn, he wants to improve, he wants to listen, and he expresses himself on the pitch, you know, and it’s great to see.”
Exceptional Mainoo is shining under Carrick
It is remarkable to see how dramatically fortunes can change in just 12 months.
At this time in 2025, Mainoo was forced to request a loan transfer after former manager Ruben Amorim brutally ignored him several times.
Mainoo did not start a single game last season before Carrick was handed the reins.
The 21-year-old has taken his game to the next level under the guidance of Carrick.
Having been an outstanding midfielder himself during his playing days, Carrick could prove to be the perfect mentor for Mainoo as the youngster continues his development.
The England international misplaced only two of his 83 passes and played 10 passes into the final third.
Kobbie Mainoo completed 81/83 passes, 6/6 accurate long balls and 10 passes into final third on his full Champions League debut ?? pic.twitter.com/NK9BIGvc4m
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 10, 2026
His performance was so composed and intelligent that he made controlling a Champions League midfield look almost effortless.
He also registered three defensive contributions and consistently made himself available to receive the ball.
Mainoo has been one of the best players under Carrick in 2026 and the United faithful will be desperate to see this remarkable rise continue for as long as possible.
Stats from Fotmob.com