Kobbie Mainoo has shared the seminal impact that Michael Carrick has had on his Old Trafford playing spell ahead of Manchester United’s encounter against Brentford.
Michael Carrick’s return to Old Trafford in January in the aftermath of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United sacking sparked new life for Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo had been starved of United first-team minutes under Ruben Amorim in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after falling down the pecking order.
However, the 21-year-old Stockport-born talent saw his place in the United starting XI restored under Carrick and has been a key player for the Red Devils legend.
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A revitalised Kobbie Mainoo on the important Man Utd minutes that he has received under Michael Carrick
Kobbie Mainoo has started 11 of Michael Carrick’s 12 Premier League matches in charge since the 44-year-old interim boss began his Old Trafford reign.
The England international’s stunning run of form even saw Mainoo climb back into the Three Lions national side under Thomas Tuchel for the March break.
Mainoo has only missed one Premier League match under Carrick after he picked up a minor knock, which ruled him out of Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Leeds United.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Mainoo insisted that his “confidence” has only continued to flourish with every single minute that he has picked up under the United legend.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, especially under the boss now,” he said.
“Just feeling the confidence.”
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Michael Carrick: "We are working towards it, he’s done little bits [in training] so there’s a decision to be made there.”
Kobbie Mainoo on his return against Chelsea and Man Utd’s Premier League clash against Brentford
Following Man Utd’s defeat to Leeds United, Mainoo was back in the starting XI for the Chelsea match and impressed with his midfield performance for the Red Devils.
Mainoo explained that Man Utd’s 1-0 win over Chelsea was a major boost for the Red Devils going into the Old Trafford clash against Brentford on Monday evening.
“It’s tough to win at Chelsea, especially away,” he said.
“We have to take that into today. They’re [Brentford] a good side. Direct and physical.
“We have worked a lot throughout the week, so we are ready.”
Man Utd are third in the Premier League table and are level on points with fourth-place Liverpool and fifth-place Aston Villa ahead of the Brentford match.
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