Kobbie Mainoo wants to become more decisive with his passing as he works towards helping Manchester United win major honours again.
The Mainoo Seedorf interview, published by United, brought the academy graduate together with the former Netherlands midfielder at Carrington. Mainoo discussed his ambitions, Michael Carrick’s influence and the part of his game he wants to improve.
Mainoo Seedorf meeting reveals passing ambition
Mainoo said he wants to develop the pass that creates a goal, rather than being known only as a player who connects moves and keeps the ball travelling between team-mates.
“I want to get better at the killer pass, you know, the pass that leads to a goal. Creating opportunities for my team-mates and being around it.”
He also spoke about deciding games through dribbling and creating chances. It is a personal development target, rather than a promise of an immediate change in his role.
Carrick’s influence on Mainoo
In the Mainoo Seedorf interview, Mainoo said playing for a coach who had won with United strengthened his desire to bring the club back to the top. Carrick’s experience of successful United teams provides a link to the era the midfielder wants to help recreate.
“I want to win a lot here, you know? That’s my dream, for this club to be at the top again.”
Seedorf said the connection with a coach who believes in a player can be important at a particular stage of a career. He also praised Carrick’s work from his own perspective outside the club.
Mainoo Seedorf comparison has limits
The conversation addressed the “Stockport Seedorf” nickname. Seedorf said he did not like comparisons when he was younger and stressed that Mainoo is a unique player.
He nevertheless recognised similarities in Mainoo’s calmness and reading of a match. Those qualities, he said, can give team-mates someone to rely on when the side is under pressure.
Mainoo also described the importance of returning to Champions League football after his first taste of the competition as an 18-year-old. The wider ambition is to turn those experiences into success at United.
Carrick has also spoken about the pressure on his squad before the Atletico match.
The interview and quotes are from Manchester United’s Mainoo and Seedorf feature.
