Manchester United legend Nicky Butt shared a clear-cut verdict on Kobbie Mainoo after the England star’s resurgence in form under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo has re-established himself in the Manchester United starting XI after a turbulent 2025-26 season under Ruben Amorim at the Premier League club.
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The United youth academy product did not make a single Premier League start under former Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim in the current campaign.
However, Amorim’s sacking as Man Utd manager has opened the door for Mainoo to climb back into the Red Devils’ starting XI under interim head coach Michael Carrick.
Mainoo has started all five of the Premier League matches under United legend Carrick and completed the full 90 minutes on each occasion for the Red Devils.
Nicky Butt wants only one answer around Man Utd and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has already registered two assists in five Premier League matches in the post-Ruben Amorim era of Manchester United.
The 20-year-old Stockport-born talent was denied another assist in United’s 1-1 draw against West Ham after VAR ruled out Casemiro’s second-half header.
Speaking ahead of Man Utd’s late draw against West Ham, Nicky Butt offered his two cents on the turnaround in Mainoo’s career revival at the Red Devils.
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The 51-year-old former United and England player insisted that his main question around Mainoo is whether or not he can become a box-to-box midfielder now.
When discussing Mainoo on TNT Sports, United legend Butt asked: “I think with Kobbie, the only question isn’t his talent, it’s can he get box to box?”
The ‘Class of ’92’ star added: “When he plays in a three, he doesn’t need to go box to box.
“He’s got that power and that pace to get past someone with ease. That’s a big X-factor.”
Kobbie Mainoo’s confidence is continuing to emerge under Michael Carrick after his struggles under Ruben Amorim
The Red Devils might have dropped points on Tuesday evening at the London Stadium, but Mainoo put in another steady showing for Man Utd on the night.
The Three Lions ace is growing more and more confident in his midfield role and the best version of Mainoo’s former self at United is rising from the ashes now.
Mainoo’s form under Michael Carrick has already raised major question marks around former United manager Amorim and his handling of the midfielder.
The England and Man Utd midfielder’s importance to the Red Devils starting XI is finally back and Mainoo can only further develop under the tutelage of Carrick.
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