Almost lost to departure! Manchester United academy graduate who was sidelined by Ruben Amorim revives his career under Michael Carrick.
On 23 Jan 2026, over recent years we have seen many players re-establish themselves after leaving Manchester United, such as Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Scott McTominay, Dean Henderson, and Alvaro Garreras.
Recently, it appeared that Kobbie Mainoo was about to become the next player forced to leave Old Trafford in search of new career opportunities.
However, the appointment of Michael Carrick as manager mid-season became a crucial turning point, potentially a "lifeline" that helped Mainoo regain his place in the Red Devils squad.
Mainoo was born on 19 April 2005 in Stockport and joined Manchester United’s academy at just 9 years old, gradually progressing from the Carrington training ground until making his first-team debut in January 2023.
Under Erik ten Hag’s management, he emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, scoring a winning goal and earning Man of the Match honors in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City 2-1, receiving praise from legend Wayne Rooney.
His excellent form earned him a call-up to the England national team, where he started in both the semifinal and final of the European Championship, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising midfielders.
However, everything changed when ten Hag left and Ruben Amorim took over. Mainoo’s role diminished continuously; the two did not see eye to eye, and it seemed likely he would leave in the winter transfer window.
He was dropped to the bench for several games, suffered injuries, and hardly received consistent playing time, fueling transfer rumors especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching.
Mainoo’s brother even posted a photo wearing a shirt with a message pleading for his brother’s freedom during the Premier League match where Manchester United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth on 15 December. At that time, Mainoo had played only 12 matches in all competitions and had yet to start a Premier League game despite 17 league rounds having passed.
Then the situation reversed when Amorim was sacked and Michael Carrick was appointed permanent manager.
In the derby against Manchester City, Carrick selected Mainoo in his natural position, pairing him with Casemiro and supporting Bruno Fernandes, instead of forcing him into an unfamiliar role.
Amorim had complained that Mainoo was competing for Bruno Fernandes’ spot, but Carrick proved the two could play together. Rather than fitting Mainoo into a 3-4-3 system, Carrick allowed him to play a natural box-to-box midfield role, working alongside Casemiro and positioned slightly deeper than Bruno.
Mainoo worked hard defensively throughout the game, winning six one-on-one duels, recovering possession, blocking shots, intercepting passes, clearing danger, and completing two successful tackles, demonstrating strength and composure in midfield.
He showed all-round midfield qualities, completing 32 of 35 passes, registering one shot on target, successfully dribbling once in two attempts, losing possession only eight times, and avoiding unnecessary risks.
Facing a midfield packed with superstars like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, and Phil Foden, Mainoo stood firm and played a key role in Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over City—their first win since 26 December.
From nearly leaving the club, he now has the chance to reaffirm himself and may be becoming the "heart of midfield" for Manchester United’s new era under Michael Carrick. His next major test will be the away match against league leaders Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, 25 Jan 2026 at 23:30.
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