Mainoo bounced back but Carrick instantly put another troubled Man Utd ace at ease upon arriving

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Michael Carrick’s man-management approach has been praised at Man Utd, and one player stands as the biggest example.

The stories of redemption under Michael Carrick have been plenty, from Kobbie Mainoo rediscovering his love for football to Benjamin Sesko finding his scoring boots.

However, it can be argued that both of those things were likely to happen once Ruben Amorim was sacked.

Where Carrick’s man-management truly shone was with his talk with a troubled player in the Man Utd squad, who he immediately put at ease.

Michael Carrick paid special attention to Mason Mount

Carrick has faced the same issue with Mason Mount as his predecessors have, where he would have liked to use him more, but just hasn’t been able to.

The reason, as always, is injuries, as Mount can rarely stay fit for an extended period of games, let alone be dependable as a starter.

Up until recently, Mount had played a single minute of football under Carrick, as he was injured when the interim Man Utd manager arrived.

However, Carrick made it a point to make Mount feel included in his plans, and paid special attention to put a troubled player at ease.

Mount said [via Manchester Evening News]: “It was difficult at the beginning because Michael came in and I got injured. I missed a few games, but he was brilliant with me and speaking to me and just saying, ‘I want you back, you’re a massive part of the team, and when you’re around the lads, you obviously have a big effect.’

“I know where I stand within the group. To be back around the lads and being mentally ready to contribute when I come on to affect the game and finish off the game, that’s super important for me.”

Carrick’s words need to be backed by Mount

Carrick has always been complimentary about Mount, which is not a surprise, since he’s been a manager’s favourite throughout his career.

However, his United career is at a crossroads, and Carrick’s backing means nothing if Mount is not available to be picked.

Carrick has shown that he wants to trust Mount, as he has come off the bench more often than not when he’s fit, but that’s a major “when”.

It’s not often that you say that a manager’s words need to be backed by a player, but in this case, Carrick won’t be a hypocrite if he doesn’t play Mount often.

It will simply be a case of Mount not giving Carrick the option to select him.