Kobbie Mainoo will not displace Fernandes in United midfield structure – Pallister

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Pallister has suggested that Kobbie Mainoo will not emerge as the central figure in midfield under Michael Carrick, insisting the youngster will still operate in the shadow of Bruno Fernandes.

Mainoo recently committed his long-term future to Manchester United until 2031. His rise accelerated under Carrick’s introduction earlier this year, as he became a key part of the squad that secured Champions League qualification.

He also formed a strong partnership with Fernandes, who was named Premier League Player of the Season for 2025-26 after registering a record 21 assists.

Fernandes still the reference point

Despite Mainoo’s rapid progress, Pallister believes the hierarchy in midfield remains unchanged, with Fernandes firmly established as the team’s leading influence.

“Kobbie’s done well, but I wouldn’t say he’s torn up trees. It’s a weird one with Kobbie because when he got left out of the team, it was probably deservedly so. But you see this often with young players, after a breakthrough season and a standout tournament with England at the Euros, he struggled to find his rhythm at the start of the following campaign.

“You’re not going to take Bruno Fernandes’ place. He’s been the standout player at Manchester United for six years. So what kind of message does that send to Kobbie Mainoo? I don’t know. It was a real struggle for him under Ruben Amorim, and he was going nowhere.”

He added that while Mainoo may face limited opportunities at times, adaptation within the squad remains essential, particularly around Fernandes’ influence.

“Basically, he knew he wasn’t going to get game time, except perhaps in the EFL Cup or similar matches. But listen, these are good players who know how to adapt and play alongside each other.”

Carrick’s tactical tweak for Mainoo

According to The Sun, Carrick is expected to refine Mainoo’s role within the team, encouraging him to develop into a more complete midfielder while continuing to operate alongside Fernandes in what is already viewed as one of the Premier League’s most productive partnerships.

Pallister, however, maintained that Fernandes remains the central reference point. “Kobbie is a wonderful player with the ball at his feet, he can create space, score goals, and play a killer pass. Still, the main man is Bruno, who has proven his quality time and time again. Ultimately, it’s about everyone else adapting to him, rather than the other way around.”