Carrick Praises United Star After Derby: “He’s Still World Class – He Was Being Misused Before”
Manchester United’s intense clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium produced plenty of headlines, but one performance stood out above the rest for interim manager Michael Carrick.
After the match, Carrick praised a United player whose display convinced him that the midfielder is still world class — and that his previous struggles were due to being deployed in the wrong role under former boss Ruben Amorim.
That player was Kobbie Mainoo, the young midfield prodigy who delivered a composed and commanding performance in the middle of the park, earning acclaim from fans, pundits, and the United coaching staff.
A Derby Display Full of Maturity
In a fixture known for its speed, intensity, and pressure, Mainoo stood out for his calmness and intelligence on the ball. He showed tactical discipline and confidence, even against one of Europe’s strongest midfield units.
Carrick didn’t hide his admiration, explaining that the performance was proof Mainoo’s quality had never been in doubt — only his role had been.
“Kobbie really impressed me,” Carrick said. “He showed me yesterday that he’s still a world-class player. The difference was how he was used. When you put him in the right role and give him clarity, his quality comes out naturally.”
Controlling the Game Against Elite Opposition
Throughout the match, Mainoo repeatedly found space between City’s pressing lines and linked play smoothly with his senior teammates. He maintained possession under pressure, recycled the ball intelligently, and contributed defensively by tracking runners and breaking up attacks.
He also showed fearlessness against top players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, consistently receiving the ball in tight spaces and driving play forward.
Mainoo’s balance of defensive duty and attacking intent helped stabilize United’s midfield and improve their transitions.
A Sign of United’s Future Direction
Carrick stressed how important performances like this are for United’s long-term vision.
“Players like Kobbie are vital to where we want to go,” he said. “We need a strong mix of youth and experience, and he gave us exactly that. Performances like this raise standards across the squad.”
Mainoo’s rise also reflects United’s tradition of developing academy talent. Under Carrick, that identity seems to be returning, with young players trusted to perform on the biggest stages rather than being protected from them.
In an era dominated by expensive signings, Mainoo’s emergence has reignited debate about the value of homegrown talent. Many fans believe that building around players like him could restore success and strengthen the bond between the team and supporters.
As the season progresses, Carrick’s praise has placed Mainoo firmly in the spotlight. Expectations will rise, but so will belief that Manchester United may once again be building for the future with fearless young talent ready to deliver when it matters most.
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