Michael Carrick's Kobbie Mainoo admission speaks volumes about Ruben Amorim's Man Utd spell

Kobbie Mainoo has been a regular under Michael Carrick at Manchester United after struggling for game time under Ruben Amorim earlier this season

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick has heaped praise on Kobbie Mainoo - whose performances have coincided with the club's turnaround this season. The midfielder has unexpectedly become a fixture once more after struggling for opportunities under Ruben Amorim.

In the lead-up to the January transfer window, Mainoo was reportedly linked with a potential departure due to his limited playing time. But the managerial switch early last month transformed the player's circumstances.

The 20-year-old has started every Premier League match since Carrick's appointment as caretaker boss, delivering assists in victories over Arsenal and Tottenham, as United continue their good form under the interim manager.

The England international has earned plaudits for his performances since returning to the side, establishing a robust partnership alongside the experienced Casemiro. Carrick has now also offered praise for the player, having witnessed his considerable development from a young age.

"I've known Kobbie a long time. I started working with him when I think he was 13 or 14, when I was starting to do my coaching badges – a good few years ago. Just little bits," he told BBC Sport. "And then, obviously, when I was here the first time, he was in and around a little bit.

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"So I think knowing him and having experience with him and seeing him perform at such a level on such big occasions... I said earlier about coaches being able to cope with being here and at the level to deal with it.

He added: "What Kobbie's done at such a young age is quite incredible really. We forget how young he still is.

"I was just a big fan of watching him play and knowing what he was capable of. So it wasn't really a big decision to play him.

"And, to be fair, it's not easy when you haven't played to find your rhythm and find your form. There are things he can get better at, things he can improve on, but we haven't really got started on any of that because we're just letting him go and find his flow and find his rhythm of playing football again.

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"I've been really conscious of not giving him an awful lot - a couple of little pointers, a bit of positional things and some little bits here and there - but trust in what he is. He's a fantastic footballer and he's got a huge talent."

Mainoo will be looking to maintain his influence between now and the conclusion of the campaign as fourth-placed United strive to guarantee their spot in the Champions League positions.

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