Michael Carrick says restoring Kobbie Mainoo straight to Manchester United’s starting XI was an easy decision because he already knows the young midfielder’s qualities and personality.
Ahead of the Spurs clash, he explained that Mainoo offers “an awful lot” to the team and fits perfectly with the club’s long tradition of promoting academy players into key roles.
Carrick described it as an “ideal scenario” when homegrown talents come through the system, stay at the club and build their entire careers at Old Trafford, linking that culture back to the Munich disaster and the foundations of United’s identity.
He reflected on his own playing days alongside teammates who did exactly that and stressed how important it remains for the current squad.
At the same time, he was keen not to pile pressure on Mainoo, insisting he is “not putting everything on Kobbie’s shoulders,” even though the teenager is “doing terrific at the moment.” Carrick said there is “no better feeling than giving young players a chance,” and praised Mainoo for seizing his opportunity in recent weeks.
He added that United want more academy products to follow that path into the first team, reinforcing the club’s long-term vision.
