Soccer
Benfica set to ramp up Jose Mourinho contract talks to ward off Real Madrid interest
Benfica ramps up contract talks with Mourinho to fend off Real Madrid interest.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
SoccerFeature
Kobbie Mainoo: Schmeichel explains Carrick’s role in United ace’s rise
TL;DR
Kobbie Mainoo's career at Manchester United has significantly improved since Michael Carrick became the caretaker manager. Previously struggling under Ruben Amorim's system, Mainoo is now regaining prominence in the squad.
Key points
- Kobbie Mainoo's fortunes improved under Michael Carrick
- Mainoo struggled under former coach Ruben Amorim
- Amorim's system did not accommodate Mainoo
- Mainoo was linked with a January departure
- Carrick appointed as caretaker manager at Manchester United
Mentioned in this story
Kobbie MainooMichael CarrickRuben AmorimManchester UnitedBruno FernandesCasemiro
Kobbie Mainoo: Schmeichel explains Carrick’s role in United ace’s rise
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a spectacular upturn in fortunes since Michael Carrick took charge at Old Trafford. The 21 year old, once considered the crown jewel of Carrington, endured a difficult stage in his career under former head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese’s much-discussed 3-4-3 system had no place for Mainoo, especially after Bruno Fernandes was deployed alongside Casemiro as a double pivot earlier this season. The Englishman, who caught the imagination of fans under former manager Erik ten Hag, subsequently became a peripheral figure under Amorim.
Mainoo was heavily linked with a temporary departure in January, but as fortune had it, it was the Portuguese head coach who left Old Trafford instead. United ran out of patience following a turbulent 14-month spell and appointed Carrick as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
That proved to be a turning point in Mainoo’s career as well, with the youngster now an indispensable part of the Red Devils’ starting XI. He has been key to United’s run of 10 wins in 14 games under Carrick, which has seen them climb to third in the Premier League table after 35 games.
The Casemiro-Mainoo partnership
While Mainoo’s poise and calmness endeared him to fans under Ten Hag, it is his newfound steel which has made him stand out under Carrick. A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person suggested that the youngster is spending a lot of time with Casemiro behind the scenes, and the results are for all to see.
Q&A
How has Michael Carrick influenced Kobbie Mainoo's career at Manchester United?
Michael Carrick's appointment as caretaker manager has led to a resurgence in Kobbie Mainoo's performance and role within the team.
What challenges did Kobbie Mainoo face under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United?
Under Ruben Amorim, Mainoo struggled to fit into the 3-4-3 system and became a peripheral figure in the squad.
Why did Kobbie Mainoo consider a temporary departure from Manchester United?
Mainoo was linked with a temporary departure due to his limited playing time and role under Amorim's management.
What led to the change in management at Manchester United?
Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager after losing patience with Ruben Amorim following a turbulent 14-month spell.
