Forget Bruno Fernandes: 10/10 Man Utd Star Has Made Himself Undroppable for Carrick After Sabah Win

Manchester United may have spent heavily rebuilding their midfield this summer, but Kobbie Mainoo is quickly showing Michael Carrick that the answer to one of the biggest questions at Old Trafford could already be inside the squad.

The England international produced another outstanding display as United returned to the Champions League with a convincing 4-0 victory over Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko put United in control before half-time, while Lisandro Martinez completed the scoring after the break.

It was a comfortable night for Carrick’s side, who controlled possession, created chances and looked dangerous for most of the game. Fernandes again played an important role as captain, while Patrick Dorgu was named the official man of the match.

However, Mainoo’s performance deserves plenty of attention.

The 21-year-old started in a deeper midfield position and looked completely comfortable controlling the game from there. He played for 64 minutes before being replaced by new signing Andrey Santos, but his influence was clear from the first whistle.

Mainoo completed 81 of his 83 passes, giving him a remarkable 98 per cent passing accuracy. He also recorded 93 touches, played 10 passes into the final third and completed all six of his attempted long passes.

Those numbers show that Mainoo is developing into a much more complete midfielder rather than simply being a player who keeps possession safely. He was also involved in the defensive side of the game, winning four duels and making two tackles.

Most importantly, he looked like a player who wanted the ball whenever United needed someone to control the tempo.

His 81 completed passes were also the most by a Manchester United player in the game. More interestingly, no English United player had completed more passes in a Champions League match since Carrick himself managed 89 against Olympiacos in 2014.

Carrick has completely changed Mainoo’s role at United

Mainoo’s current rise is even more impressive when looking back at where he was only a year ago.

Under Ruben Amorim, the midfielder struggled to get regular opportunities and was often left out despite United’s problems in the middle of the pitch. His future at Old Trafford was even being questioned by some supporters.

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Carrick’s arrival changed the situation.

The former United midfielder immediately appeared to trust Mainoo and gave him a more important role in the team. Since then, the youngster has gradually looked more confident, especially when operating deeper and becoming involved in the first stages of United’s attacks.

Carrick has also made it clear that he enjoys working with Mainoo.

After the Sabah victory, the United boss praised his midfielder’s ability to connect the different parts of the team and highlighted his attitude away from the pitch.

Mainoo’s willingness to learn is just as important as his technical ability. Carrick sees a player who wants to improve, listens to instructions and then shows his personality when he gets onto the pitch.

That relationship could become extremely important for United over the next few years.

There is also an obvious connection between the two men. Carrick was one of the best deep-lying midfielders of his generation, while Mainoo is now being asked to perform a similar job by controlling possession and helping United move the ball forward.

Carrick’s comments suggest that Mainoo has become a major part of his plans rather than simply another option in a large squad.

Mainoo has a big challenge after United’s midfield rebuild

What makes Mainoo’s progress even more interesting is the amount of competition United have added around him.

The club invested heavily in midfield during the summer, bringing in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba, while Mason Mount has also been given opportunities in a deeper position.

That could have made Mainoo’s place in the starting XI uncertain.

Instead, his recent performances have made it increasingly difficult for Carrick to leave him out.

His display against Sabah was not simply about completing passes. Mainoo showed that he can play forward, switch the ball over long distances and help United control matches from a deeper position. His six successful long passes were particularly encouraging because improving his passing range can give United another way to break teams down.

The timing is also perfect for Mainoo because a much bigger test is already waiting.

United face Manchester City in the derby this weekend, meaning Mainoo will have the chance to show that his excellent form is not only effective against European newcomers.

That is where the real judgement will come.

Bruno Fernandes remains one of the most important players in the United squad, and the captain continues to provide goals, assists and creativity from midfield. But Mainoo is beginning to offer something different.

He can sit deeper, receive the ball under pressure, connect defence with attack, and let Fernandes focus more on creating chances in advanced areas.

For a club that has spent so much money trying to fix its midfield, it would be a huge boost if the player capable of becoming the team’s long-term heartbeat was already at Carrington.

Mainoo is still only 21, so there will naturally be difficult moments ahead. But his recent performances suggest he has moved beyond simply being a promising academy player.

He is now becoming one of the first players Carrick wants on the teamsheet.

And if Mainoo can produce the same level against Manchester City, the argument that Manchester United should build their midfield around him will become even harder to ignore.