Kobbie Mainoo was the hero for Manchester United against Liverpool, with his 77th-minute strike proving to be the winner at Old Trafford.
It was written in the stars for Kobbie Mainoo to score the winner for Manchester United, in the same week that his new contract was announced.
Just days after Mainoo outlined his desire to score more goals, it was poetic that his first of the season came this weekend, as though football was scripted.
But United’s 3-2 win against Liverpool has secured Champions League football, which is thought to be enough for Michael Carrick to be made permanent this summer.
Now Mainoo has had his say.
Kobbie Mainoo LOVES scoring vs Liverpool at the Stretford End – which goal was best, his strike in 2026 or 2024?
Kobbie Mainoo’s admission on Michael Carrick should be decisive in Ineos managerial decision
Mainoo was on media duty with Sky Sports after the win, speaking in front of the Stretford End to admit his joy at signing his new contract with United, and also delight at scoring against Liverpool.
The reporter also asked Mainoo about Carrick, to which Mainoo had the perfect response.
“We want to follow him. We want to die for him on the pitch.”
This speaks volumes about how Mainoo and the club view Carrick, and is also a clear indication that Ineos doesn’t have a decision to make this summer over who is the next head coach; it’s already made.
Carrick’s original task was to qualify for the Champions League, and now that he’s achieved that, there is no reason that he shouldn’t get the gig permanently.
Mainoo’s stance appears to be shared by the majority of the senior squad, with every player giving their all for him.
Appointing anybody else this summer feels silly and an unnecessary risk.
Sir Alex Ferguson had his players prepared to die for him, and so this statement from Mainoo cannot be understated.
WHO was Manchester United’s man of the match vs Liverpool?
Michael Carrick responds to Mainoo’s praise
Mainoo’s comments were presented to Carrick during his post-match press conference, and the United interim head coach was delighted.
“That’s one of the biggest things for me, trying to get the best out of people and helping players.
“Giving them the opportunity to perform and do what they’re good at…”
Carrick has got the best from his players this season. Extracting performances, Ruben Amorim simply couldn’t, while deploying a system that platforms the talent to be their best.
It feels like a foregone conclusion now that Carrick is appointed, and Mainoo’s comments should be the final domino for Ineos to commit.
You don’t get rid of a manager that the players are playing for.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
