Manchester United have rediscovered their identity under Michael Carrick, and Kobbie Mainoo has been key to that.
Before Michael Carrick’s arrival, United were a sinking ship with no direction, but fast forward three weeks and the feel-good factor is back at Old Trafford – with fans and players alike, they are United by name, but also by nature.
United travel to West Ham on Tuesday for their latest Premier League outing – they will hope to make it five wins in a row.
If United can secure the three points, that will go a long way in their quest for Champions League football.
Mainoo flourishing under Carrick
Many players have benefited from Carrick’s man management skills – but none more so than Mainoo.
The England starlet has gone from being on the fringes, due to Ruben Amorim’s mismanagement, to a formidable first-team player – the fans are once again seeing the best version of Mainoo, the one that scored in United’s FA Cup win against City.
Mainoo has been an integral part of United’s upturn in form; the midfielder has slotted back into his role with seamless effect. The balance he brings to the team is one thing; the boost it brings for fans to see an academy graduate is another. But fundamentally, he is just a fine footballer.
Against Tottenham, Mainoo completed 33 passes in the final third of the pitch and chipped in with an assist. His manager called him a “joy to watch,” and he certainly is that.
Mainoo’s form warrants England recall
Mainoo has not featured for England since the heartbreak of the Euro 2024 when the Three Lions narrowly lost to Spain in the final.
Mainoo has responded impressively to his England absence, using the setback as motivation rather than a stumbling block. The Manchester United midfielder has looked increasingly authoritative in recent weeks, showing greater confidence in possession and a growing influence in the centre of the pitch.
His decision-making has noticeably improved, particularly in high-pressure moments where composure is often the difference at the international level. Mainoo’s awareness, positional discipline and ability to link defence with attack have made him one of United’s most reliable performers during a demanding run of fixtures.
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Competition in England’s midfield is relentless, but few offer Mainoo’s balance of technical quality and tactical maturity. While others bring physicality or attacking flair, Mainoo excels at controlling the rhythm and maintaining structure, traits crucial in tournament football.
On current form, his omission from the England squad is becoming harder to justify. A recall would reward consistency and send a clear message that performance, not reputation, remains the pathway back into the national team.
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