Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick has revealed that he recognised the potential of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo early on, which influenced his decision to give him more playing opportunities.
According to Carrick, he first knew Mainoo during his academy days at age 13 and has since worked with him to understand his strengths and weaknesses as a footballer and how best to utilise him.
Carrick explained that after taking over, he designed a training method specifically for Mainoo aimed at helping him regain his rhythm, something he believes has worked to perfection.
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Speaking in an interview with the BBC, the Red Devils interim head coach expressed satisfaction with the midfielder’s resurgence since he assumed the role.
“I’ve known Koby a long time. I started working with him, I think he was 13 or 14, when I began my coaching badges a good few years ago. What Kobbie’s done at such a young age is quite incredible, and we forget how young he still is. I was always a big fan of watching him play and knowing what he was capable of, so it wasn’t really a big decision to play him. To be fair, it’s not easy when you haven’t played to find your rhythm and form.
“There are things he can get better at, things he can improve on, but we haven’t really started on any of that because we’re just letting him find his flow and rhythm again. I’ve been conscious not to overload him just a couple of positional pointers here and there but ultimately trusting him for what he is: a fantastic footballer with huge talent,” he said.
Mainoo was not played regularly under former coach Rúben Amorim, which sparked concerns among fans and officials.
However, the midfielder has now regained his starting spot, becoming a key figure in United’s resurgence in the Premier League.
Watch the interview below:
SB/AE
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