Kobbie Mainoo resolves Man United future after talks with Michael Carrick

Mainoo’s situation had become uncertain following the arrival of Ruben Amorim in October 2024. The 20-year-old was reportedly not seen as a natural fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and spent most of his time on the bench, failing to make a single start at the beginning of the season.

As a result, rumours emerged that Mainoo could leave the club in the January transfer window. Napoli were among the clubs linked, with reports suggesting a loan move that could become permanent in the summer. Mainoo was said to be considering a move to secure regular minutes, with an eye on earning a place in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

The situation changed in January when Amorim was dismissed following internal issues with the club’s hierarchy, and Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach. Mainoo was immediately handed his first start in the Premier League, deployed in a 4-2-3-1 system alongside Casemiro. He completed the full 90 minutes and played a part in United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City.

Following the Manchester derby, Mainoo posted “Believe that” on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with Mason Mount and Carrick, a message widely interpreted as a sign of his intention to stay. According to The Mirror, Carrick has also assured Mainoo that he will be part of his plans for the remainder of the season, prompting the midfielder to commit his future to the club.

Carrick had previously spoken highly of Mainoo even before taking charge at Old Trafford. In an interview with Rio Ferdinand last summer, he said: "To have a talent like that (Kobbie Mainoo) he's shown already, you've got to have players like that, you can say they get it, they know it, let's help them, let's build them and stick with them, and I think there's definitely a place for him there for sure".

He added: "I really like him, I think he just needs a bit of patience and that little bit of break again, which I'm sure he'll get. He's got it, and he's shown that. It's a breath of fresh air the way he takes the ball and plays forward and commits people, can play, can dribble, can pass. That doesn't leave you, and I think it's just waves that can come and go with time. I've seen it so many times."

Manchester United will face Arsenal in their next Premier League match on 25 January. With their domestic campaign now the main focus, United are pushing for a Champions League place and currently sit fifth in the table, just one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool.