There were huge doubts over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Manchester United at the start of the year. The English midfielder failed to win over Ruben Amorim and pushed to leave his boyhood club on loan.
Amorim’s sacking in early January led to Michael Carrick arriving as caretaker manager. Mainoo has immediately become one of the English coach’s most important players.
The uncertainty over the 20-year-old’s future has started to dissipate. A renewal is looking increasingly likely for the Red Devils’ academy graduate.
Mainoo u-turn
Amorim made several questionable decisions during his time in charge at Manchester United. Not making Mainoo a focus of his team is right up there with the most perplexing.
Mainoo has started each of Carrick’s five games since replacing Amorim. He’s been a key man in the middle of the park and looks likely to have regained his place in the England team ahead of the World Cup.
It’s been a dramatic turnaround for the young midfielder who seemed to be headed for the exit door. This was alluded to by The Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler when speaking to The United Stand.
Wheeler claimed that although both parties still need to reach an agreement over a new contract, the situation has improved “significantly.” He says that the player wants to stay and the club are equally eager to keep him.
Mainoo has made 19 appearances across competitions this season, posting three assists. He hadn’t started a single Premier League game under Amorim during the campaign.
Carrick’s decision to bring him back into the fold has paid dividends for the player and the team. A smile has returned, and he looked emotional when embracing his manager following the 2-0 win over Manchester City in the Manchester derby.
Kobbie is a ‘prime example’
Mainoo is still at the very start of his career and is already one of the most highly-regarded talents at Old Trafford. He looks to be the future of Manchester United and a player the club can build around.
Carrick is the ideal coach to help the England international continue his development. The legendary former United midfielder spent years dictating play for the Reds during his playing career.
The interim coach spoke glowingly of Mainoo and working with the youngster. He told reporters (via the club’s official website):
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Kobbie … this club needs young players coming through and being the foundation … Kobbie is a prime example, coming through so quickly and having a rapid rise.”
Mainoo is one of United’s most celebrated academy products, and fans are eagerly awaiting a contract extension. He showed incredible resilience during a difficult period over the past year.
Finding a new Mainoo partner
Should Manchester United manage to secure Mainoo’s future long-term, the focus will turn to replacing Casemiro. The veteran Brazilian is leaving the Reds when his contract expires in June.
Casemiro’s influence will be missed not just on the pitch but off of it. He’s been at Old Trafford since the summer of 2022 and been a leader in the dressing room.
The transfer chiefs need to get the 32-year-old’s replacement spot on. Their top target appears to still be Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.
United approached Brighton over a possible deal for the Cameroonian and were told he wasn’t for sale, per David Ornstein. That stance might change this summer, especially if the 22-year-old pushes for the move.
If Baleba does arrive, the Red Devils will have the midfield sorted for years to come. The duo are both regarded as the brightest talents in English football.
