Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United career has been marked by inconsistency, but Michael Carrick believes the 20-year-old midfielder is on the cusp of a breakthrough. The former England international sees Mainoo as more of an attacking threat than a holding midfielder, and with Carrick at the helm, it's possible that the young player will be given the freedom to express himself.
Carrick has long been an admirer of Mainoo, having previously played for Middlesbrough under his guidance. The new interim head coach is keen to build around talented players like Mainoo, who have a deep understanding of the club and its ways. Carrick's task will be to free Mainoo from the experimental roles he's been given in recent months, allowing him to shine as an attacking force.
Mainoo has shown glimpses of his potential in various roles, including as part of a midfield two alongside Scott McTominay during Erik ten Hag's tenure and as a No 8 for England at the Euros. However, the lack of consistency and clarity on his position has hindered his progress.
Carrick's emphasis on having players who feel it and know the club is crucial to unlocking Mainoo's potential. The new interim head coach believes that with patience and the right opportunities, Mainoo will continue to grow as a player and become an integral part of United's midfield.
With Carrick at the helm, there's hope that Mainoo might finally be given the chance to prove himself in his preferred attacking role. A return to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which was Carrick's most-used setup during his time at Middlesbrough, could also play to Mainoo's strengths.
While it remains to be seen whether Mainoo will finally find his footing under Carrick, one thing is certain: with the new interim head coach in charge, there's a renewed sense of optimism around the young midfielder.
Carrick has long been an admirer of Mainoo, having previously played for Middlesbrough under his guidance. The new interim head coach is keen to build around talented players like Mainoo, who have a deep understanding of the club and its ways. Carrick's task will be to free Mainoo from the experimental roles he's been given in recent months, allowing him to shine as an attacking force.
Mainoo has shown glimpses of his potential in various roles, including as part of a midfield two alongside Scott McTominay during Erik ten Hag's tenure and as a No 8 for England at the Euros. However, the lack of consistency and clarity on his position has hindered his progress.
Carrick's emphasis on having players who feel it and know the club is crucial to unlocking Mainoo's potential. The new interim head coach believes that with patience and the right opportunities, Mainoo will continue to grow as a player and become an integral part of United's midfield.
With Carrick at the helm, there's hope that Mainoo might finally be given the chance to prove himself in his preferred attacking role. A return to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which was Carrick's most-used setup during his time at Middlesbrough, could also play to Mainoo's strengths.
While it remains to be seen whether Mainoo will finally find his footing under Carrick, one thing is certain: with the new interim head coach in charge, there's a renewed sense of optimism around the young midfielder.
he's been given so many roles already and still can't seem to settle into anything. but at the same time, carrick seems like the right guy to give him a break & let him express himself on the pitch. 4-2-3-1 formation could really play to his strengths if united stick with it 
I'm loving the vibes around Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United right now! I think it's so cool that Michael Carrick believes he has the potential to be an attacking threat and not just a holding midfielder. It's about time someone gave him the freedom to express himself on the pitch 
Fingers crossed Mainoo will finally find his groove and become an integral part of United's midfield 
. Can't help but feel like Mainoo's biggest breakthrough will be when we stop trying to fit him into a mold and just let him play 
what i love about carrick is that he's not just giving mainoo a chance, he's actually trying to bring out the best in him by letting him play to his strengths! 4-2-3-1 could be perfect for mainoo and i'm excited to see how carrick sets up the team. let's hope we finally get to see some consistency from mainoo and he becomes a regular starter 