KOBBIE MAINOO is a joy to watch now he is no longer being ‘pigeonholed’ by Ruben Amorim, reckons Michael Carrick.
Midfielder Mainoo cut a frustrated figure at Manchester United when Amorim was in charge.
The Portuguese head coach viewed the 20-year-old England man as little more than back-up for skipper Bruno Fernandes.
Fast forward to today’s home clash with Fulham and interim manager Carrick — in charge at Old Trafford for the foreseeable — is set to hand Mainoo a fourth straight start.
Carrick is deploying him alongside Casemiro in a midfield two, having binned Amorim’s beloved 3-4-2-1 formation.
The former Red Devils midfielder, 44, said: “Sometimes we can pigeonhole players quite quickly but it’s not always the case.
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“Kobbie can play different roles within that, but definitely with Cassie in the middle, the last couple of games they’ve had a really good pairing and been a big part of controlling the team.”
United fans were excited by Mainoo’s potential, especially after he hit the winner in the 2024 FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City.
Mainoo also started for Gareth Southgate’s side in the last Euros final.
But under Amorim he hardly featured.
Carrick added: “He’s so young, Kobbie.
“He’s had some real highs and he’s had some disappointments, that’s natural. I was similar myself when you’re young and coming through. It makes him better, stronger and more experienced and he’s showing that. He’s a joy to watch.”
Carrick’s arrival has given Mainoo’s World Cup hopes a huge boost.
The ex-Three Lions star added: “A big part of being a top player, is being able to cope with the environment.
“He came into the side at such a young age and played some big games.
“He’s played in finals for us and the Euros for England, playing a big part in those games too.
“So just being able to cope first off is a huge thing — and he’s proved he can.
“Kobbie’s in a good place at the moment and we’ve got to keep pushing him, supporting him and improving him.”
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