Kobbie Mainoo has silenced his critics with another commanding performance in Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Once considered too light, inexperienced, or unfit to partner Casemiro by former manager Ruben Amorim, the 20-year-old academy graduate has now won four consecutive starts under Michael Carrick, forming a midfield partnership that has powered United to three wins in a row.
Carrick, who has overseen victories against Manchester City, Arsenal, and now Fulham, praised Mainoo as a “joy to watch,” noting the teenager’s composure on and off the ball.
“You can see the way Fulham play and overload the middle, there was a lot of work for Kobbie and Casemiro,” Carrick said. “Without the ball, he’s terrific, and with it, he’s unphased. He just plays his game with confidence and belief. It’s a real joy to watch.”
Tactical switch pays off
The difference in United’s recent form can be traced to Carrick’s willingness to abandon Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, which had left the Red Devils exposed in midfield. Against Fulham, Carrick deployed a 4-2-3-1 with Mainoo and Casemiro at the base, providing both defensive solidity and creative support.
While Amorim struggled to make two-man midfield work, Carrick’s system allowed Mainoo to thrive alongside the Brazilian, showcasing maturity and tactical awareness well beyond his years.
Carrick vs Amorim: a midfield debate
Amorim’s reluctance to play Mainoo alongside Casemiro was understandable. The teenager was only 19 when he arrived at the club, and pairing him with the experienced, sometimes leggy Casemiro carried risks.
Amorim saw Mainoo primarily as back-up for Bruno Fernandes, who has now returned to his favoured No.10 role, opening the door for the youngster to stake a claim for regular starts and potentially the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Stoppage-time drama
United’s win was secured in frantic fashion. Casemiro, enjoying what could be his farewell tour at Old Trafford, scored and assisted Matheus Cunha, but Fulham fought back through a Raul Jimenez penalty and a thunderous Kevin strike.
The drama peaked in stoppage time when Fernandes delivered a perfectly weighted ball to Benjamin Sesko for the decisive third goal, sparking scenes of jubilation in the Stretford End.
With Mainoo thriving under Carrick and Casemiro approaching the end of his Manchester United career, the club faces key decisions over squad continuity.
Retaining Mainoo and finding a long-term midfield partner will be vital as United seek stability and continued success in the Premier League.
