At a press conference on 1/5, Carrick praised Mainoo, who recently signed a new five-year contract with Man Utd. His words seemed directed at his predecessor, Amorim, who had sidelined Mainoo for an extended period. "Mainoo went through difficult periods," Carrick said. "It is important to let him develop, to give him the platform to be himself."
The English coach repeatedly used the phrase "platform" for a player to showcase their abilities. He also emphasized Mainoo's continuous progress, increased confidence, and greater responsibility due to regular opportunities.
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Carrick (left) and his predecessor Amorim. Photo: SI |
Carrick (left) and his predecessor Amorim. Photo: SI
English media interpreted these statements as indirect criticism of Amorim. Under the Portuguese coach, Mainoo almost disappeared from the Premier League starting lineup. The 21-year-old midfielder went eight months without a league start, despite being a rare bright spot for Man Utd last season.
Mainoo started 16 matches under Amorim, but Man Utd won only four of those. Amorim prioritized the midfield duo of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, often relegating Mainoo to the bench.
Since Carrick took over the team in 1/2026, the situation has changed significantly. Mainoo has started 12 of 13 matches under the former Man Utd midfielder. The one match he missed due to a minor injury saw the team lose 1-2 to Leeds United.
Carrick stated he had followed Mainoo for a long time and understood the pressure the player faced in recent years. "I have known Kobbie from many different stages," he said. "He represents the identity of the club, grew up in the academy, and lives and breathes with the team."
Carrick believes the contract extension is a natural progression for Mainoo after his recent performances. "Everyone is very happy, including me, because he deserves it," he said.
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Mainoo (left) tackles for Man Utd in the match against Brentford at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on the evening of 27/4. Photo: AP |
Mainoo (left) tackles for Man Utd in the match against Brentford at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, on the evening of 27/4. Photo: AP
After receiving more regular opportunities, Mainoo has regained his image as a dynamic, impactful, and confident ball-carrying midfielder who excelled last season. Carrick also believes the young player still has significant development potential. "I have said this for a long time because Mainoo is very young," he continued. "He is in a very good state right now, and there is still much ahead."
Carrick has also set long-term goals for his player, suggesting Mainoo must become a key factor in Man Utd's return to contention for the Premier League and Champions League titles. "Hopefully, Mainoo will be here for a very long time, in a successful team winning trophies," Carrick added. "That must be his goal."
Man Utd has not won the Premier League since 2013. The team has also reached the Champions League quarter-finals only two times since their last final appearance in 2011.
Carrick also confirmed that forward Matheus Cunha could return for the match against Liverpool on 3/5 after missing the Brentford game due to a minor injury. Luke Shaw is also fit to play, while Matthijs de Ligt has not recovered from a back injury. Lisandro Martinez will serve the final match of his three-match suspension.
Hoang An (according to Sun)
