Last winter, Kobbie Mainoo was exploring a move to Napoli to save his career. This September, he is back in an England squad.
The Carrick Effect
Michael Carrick’s arrival following Ruben Amorim’s sacking changed everything. Carrick restored club captain Bruno Fernandes to the number 10 role, which freed up space for Mainoo in a double pivot. United officials have been openly grateful for the turnaround.
Where He Is Now
- A regular starter in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, now partnered by summer signing Youri Tielemans
- Recalled by Tuchel for England’s Nations League camp despite being an unused member of the World Cup squad
- Struck the post in the Manchester derby, one of United’s few clear openings in a 1-0 defeat
United’s Mixed Start
The team around him has been inconsistent. United thrashed Ipswich 5-2 in August but lost the derby and were beaten 3-2 by Brighton in the Carabao Cup after leading 2-0. Carrick, appointed permanently on a two-year deal after guiding the club to third in the second half of last season, is still searching for consistency.
The England Opportunity
Mainoo enters a midfield group containing Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson, so minutes will be hard-won. His recall came in the same squad that brought back Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Bigger Picture
His resurgence is closely tied to the role Carrick has given Bruno Fernandes, and to United’s reshaped midfield after a busy summer.