Kobbie Mainoo has been completely on the fringes of England this World Cup, and it vindicates Man Utd’s Michael Carrick decision.
Through the end of the group stages, Kobbie Mainoo has yet to come off in three games for England, with the nadir reached vs Panama.
With the win and qualification secured, Thomas Tuchel opted to send in Jordan Henderson ahead of the Man Utd midfielder.
With that decision, it’s clear that Man Utd’s Michael Carrick decision is the correct one, because the alternative would have been an unmitigated disaster.
If Elliot Anderson is £125m… What is Kobbie Mainoo’s market value right now?
Not that he's going anywhere…🔒
Thomas Tuchel profiles Kobbie Mainoo same as Ruben Amorim
Thomas Tuchel was once a concrete candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, and his name popped up again when Ruben Amorim was sacked.
Tuchel earned his reputation as an exciting coach at Dortmund, although that has given way to a more conservative manager.
Still, it was thought beyond doubt that everyone sees the quality of Mainoo except Amorim, and Tuchel would revive his career.
As it turns out, Tuchel profiles Mainoo in the same way as Amorim did, preferring physical and athletic players at the cost of quality on the ball.
That pragmatism is why England drew against Ghana, and it’s why Jordan Henderson came on ahead of Mainoo vs Panama.
For all his faults, Gareth Southgate at least platformed Mainoo to take control of the midfield at Euros 2024, something which looks beyond Tuchel now.
He’s unlike any other midfielder in the squad due to his technical excellence, but Tuchel would rather have a team of 11 grafters who can never unlock a defence with their quality on the ball.
All of these point to a dodged bullet for Man Utd, because Mainoo could have found himself back to square one had Tuchel been appointed as Man Utd manager.
Michael Carrick empowers Mainoo for a thriving Man Utd
For far too long, the discussion around Mainoo has centred on what he cannot do, instead of what he is world-class at.
You are building Man Utd’s midfield for 26/27: Is Kobbie Mainoo a first choice starter?
Or are you signing two NEW starting midfielders?
Never mind that he has improved his game out of possession as well, but some rigid coaches who rely on pure athleticism over quality have shoehorned him into a fringe role.
That coaching trait is a sign of a lack of tactical intelligence, because you’re simply relying on your players outworking the opposition through sheer stamina and combativeness.
Luis Enrique’s PSG have shown that magicians win titles, and going too far down the other extreme holds the team back.
Carrick has empowered Mainoo to do what he does best, and he has made the whole midfield tick in spectacular fashion.
Mainoo is a player who would be a lot more appreciated in Spain, where they like footballers more than gym freaks.
Unfortunately for Mainoo, Tuchel falls in that latter category. At least he comes back to a coach who values his skill set.
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