Kobbie Mainoo's Manchester United career has taken a significant turn for the better, thanks in no small part to the arrival of interim manager Michael Carrick. After a frustrating period under Ruben Amorim, where Mainoo struggled for game time, Carrick's appointment has revitalized the young midfielder's prospects at Old Trafford.

Mainoo's journey at United hit a snag under Amorim, whose tactical system didn't seem to accommodate the young talent effectively. Despite Amorim's public acknowledgment of Mainoo as "the future" of United, the midfielder found himself on the fringes, leading to speculation about a potential loan move.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically with Carrick's arrival. Carrick, who has known Mainoo since he was a young teenager in the academy, wasted no time in reintegrating him into the first team. This decision paid immediate dividends, with Mainoo starting in Carrick's first game in charge – a dominant 2-0 victory against local rivals Manchester City.

Carrick's faith in Mainoo stems from a long-standing connection. Having witnessed Mainoo's development firsthand, Carrick understands the midfielder's qualities and what he brings to the team. Carrick emphasized the importance of academy players breaking into the first team and embodying the values of Manchester United both on and off the pitch. "This club needs young players coming through and being the foundation for what it means, not just for the players or the squad, but for the club and for the supporters,” Carrick said. “I think that is something that we need to grasp, and we need to keep building on".

Mainoo's return to the starting lineup has not only benefited the team but also instilled a sense of enjoyment in the player himself. Carrick noted that Mainoo, though generally reserved, visibly expressed himself on the field and seemed to relish the opportunity. "It was great you know, he's quite straight-faced," Carrick said. "And he doesn't give you an awful lot but you could see the way he played and he expressed himself, he was enjoying himself and to see him like that was."

The club is now keen to secure Mainoo's long-term future, with talks of a new contract that reflects his importance to the team. Mainoo signed a long-term deal in 2023 and had hoped to pen a new one after scoring in United's FA Cup final triumph over City in 2024, but nothing was agreed. His current deal runs until 2027, but United recognize the need to reward his progress and ward off potential suitors.

Mainoo's resurgence is a welcome boost for Manchester United, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to shine. With Michael Carrick's guidance, Mainoo appears poised to become a key figure in United's midfield for years to come.