Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4
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Kobbie Mainoo returned to action against Chelsea, and it’s now time for Michael Carrick to unleash a fresh midfield duo with him in the starting XI.
It was an unassuming return to action for Kobbie Mainoo, as he was on the pitch for Chelsea’s second-half effort caused by Man Utd’s collapse.
He came on for Carlos Baleba in the 58th minute, and despite the result, having those minutes in his legs should help him against AS Roma.
What will help him even more is getting paired with a fresh midfield partner that should be Michael Carrick’s first-choice midfield in an ideal world.
Kobbie Mainoo and Carlos Baleba need to start together
It’s remarkable that nearly three months into the season, United’s two best midfielders haven’t actually started a game together.
When Baleba was recovering from his injury, Mainoo was the shining light in a poor start to the season, and when Baleba returned, Mainoo picked up an injury.
Against Chelsea, when both were available, Mainoo came on for Baleba, further increasing the wait for the duo to be on the pitch together.
The time has come for them to start together, because, at least on paper, this partnership couldn’t be more perfect in terms of playing style.
Baleba’s left foot balances Mainoo’s right foot, increasing the passing angles and widening the length of the pitch. Baleba’s long passing adds to Mainoo’s close control and one-twos, while Baleba’s dynamism will allow Mainoo to dominate in the final third.
Both are young, so the room for improvement in their game is immense, and the more they play with each other, the more they will understand each other’s games.
It needs to start against AS Roma, who are notorious for quick passing combinations under Gian Piero Gasperini. This unique test for Mainoo and Baleba will set them up nicely for the physical test in English football.
If everything works out, Mainoo and Baleba can form the spine of this team for the next decade. The formative games of that spine should begin against Roma at Old Trafford under the Champions League lights.