According to reports, Manchester United decision-makers informed Michael Carrick that regular minutes for Kobbie Mainoo were a key condition of his appointment.
Michael Carrick’s start to his career as Manchester United head coach has been fantastic, as they defeated Pep Guardiola’s Man City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
The Premier League tie finally saw the returns of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad from the Africa Cup of Nations, with the former netting the opening goal against City in the second half, while the latter also played a fantastic game.
It was a tie that didn’t just show a side digging deep to secure a momentous victory, but one that had the Reds utterly dominating in defence, midfield, and attack across the 90 minutes.
It has since been widely considered as one of the best team performances United have put on in the last decade, with fans hoping it’s a sign of things to come under Carrick as the club chase Champions League spots.
Sir Alex involved as Carrick told he must play Mainoo
Aside from the win, a significant point from the tie was that Kobbie Mainoo played his first 90 minutes in the Premier League this season and put on an unbelievable display.
Mainoo had not started a single league game under Rúben Amorim this season prior to the latter’s dismissal, and considering how instrumental he was in midfield on Saturday afternoon, it’s hard to see why.
According to GiveMeSport, giving Mainoo reasonable minutes and a high number of starts has been a request to Carrick, made directly by those who appointed him: CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox.
It is added that the increased inclusion of Mainoo in his starting XI is a request that was also personally backed by Sir Alex Ferguson, who is rumoured to have stated he feels Carrick was a better fit for the head coach role over Ole Gunnar Solskjær.
Mainoo’s control gives United extra calm
During Amorim’s time in charge, it was Bruno Fernandes who had been playing in Mainoo’s best position, as a controlling midfielder who bounced off his teammates and progressed play with the ball at his feet.
However, Fernandes’ eclectic nature as a creative midfielder meant that, too often under Amorim, United’s game lacked control and composure, with the former far too focused on creating for the front three.
But Mainoo’s almost eerie level of composure and poise when surrounded by chaos in the middle of the park against City was bona fide proof that he is the best possible option to play alongside Casemiro.
Not only because this provides an unparalleled level of control compared to others, but also because it unleashes Fernandinho much further up the field and in control of the attacking line, which is where he plays his best football.
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