The real reason behind the U-turn over Kobbie Mainoo’s poised Manchester United departure has been revealed amid his return to the first-team starting XI.
Since Michael Carrick’s return, Manchester United have gone from strength to strength, reverting to a system that reflects the “United DNA.”
The Red Devils have the chance to make it four wins in a row for the first time since Erik Ten Hag’s tenure in 2024 against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
The return to a familiar system has brought the best out of every player in defence, midfield and attack.
However, the return of Kobbie Mainoo to the side in particular has been a vital reason for the success of Manchester United’s recent performances.
Mainoo likely to sign new contract
It’s no secret that Mainoo has endured a turbulent season so far. The Englishman was out-of-favour under Ruben Amorim and behind Manuel Ugarte at times in the pecking order. The 20-year-old also had not started any league game under the Portuguese manager.
It was widely reported last summer and throughout this season, before the sacking of Amorim, that Mainoo was pushing for a loan move away, with Napoli being the rumoured destination.
Former Manchester United chief scout, Mick Brown, has shed light on how bad the situation got when speaking to Football Insider.
He said: “Kobbie Mainoo was treated terribly by the hierarchy at United. It’s been brushed under the carpet a bit recently, but he was told the club were going to listen to offers for him because they thought they could make some money.
“Then, after they didn’t sell him, Ruben Amorim massively devalued his qualities and ability and threw him under the bus massively. At that stage, there was no way he was going to sign a new contract.”
However, since Carrick’s appointment, Mainoo has been an instrumental figure as he has started all three games so far under the new manager.
With rumours about his exit coming to an end, Brown has revealed that now more than ever, Mainoo is set to sign a new contract, with the main reason being Carrick.
“Now, I’m told he probably will do and they’re hopeful they can reach an agreement because he’s come back into the team and is playing a big role.
“The change in management with bringing Michael Carrick in has a lot to do with that, they say good things about his man management and those sorts of things.
“Mainoo’s attitude since coming back into the side has been brilliant, and I hope he does extend his stay because he’s a fantastic player, but don’t thank the hierarchy for it, thank the management and praise the player for how he has responded,” he said.
Mainoo has evolved his playstyle
When Mainoo first broke through into both the Manchester United and England teams in the 2023/2024 season, he already looked like a complete player.
Despite his age, it was clear to see his talent with his high football IQ, insane dribbling ability and composure, as well as the ability to do the simple things to an elite level.
Under Carrick so far, he has shown an even higher level of abillity showing a much more all-round package.
His physicality and defensive ability, which were already strong, have improved, and now, playing in a system with three midfielders, he is able to bring out his offensive qualities to carry the ball up the pitch.
While he has always been capable of it, it seemed until recently that Mainoo was shy when it came to cross-field switches and playing long balls, with many of his passes being short. However, under Carrick, the shackles have recently been removed, and this area of his game has been unlocked.
He still has many years ahead of him where he will go from strength to strength, and it is pivotal that United tie him down to a long-term contract.
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