After finishing third in the Premier League last campaign, the Manchester United hierarchy made an effort to improve the squad and mount a title challenge in 2026/27.
Michael Carrick was the beneficiary of over £150m worth of investment in the senior squad, with the midfield department the area most improved during the recent window.
The likes of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have all arrived at Old Trafford in recent months, with the latter starting all three of the club’s first three games of the new season.
However, it’s the form of one player who was already on the books which has caught the eye in recent weeks and cemented his place as one of the manager’s most influential players.
Why Mainoo is becoming Man United’s most important player
After being called up to the England squad for the World Cup but failing to appear a single minute, it was unclear as to what kind of mindset Kobbie Mainoo would return to United with.
However, to the delight of the Red Devils faithful, the youngster has returned to club football with a point to prove – as seen in his recent showings in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has started each of the last two encounters for Carrick’s side, with his showing against Everton on Sunday afternoon evidence of his quality at both ends.
Mainoo starred at both ends of the pitch during his 84 minutes on the pitch, as seen by his remarkable underlying figures from the recent clash on Merseyside.
|
Kobbie Mainoo – stats against Everton |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
84 |
|
Touches |
95 |
|
Pass accuracy |
96% |
|
Chances created |
2 |
|
Defensive contributions |
15 |
|
Ball recoveries |
10 |
|
Interceptions made |
2 |
|
Tackles made |
3 |
He starred with the ball at his feet during the 2-2 draw on Sunday afternoon, subsequently finding a teammate with 96% of the passes he attempted – resulting in him creating two chances in the process.
Even without the ball, the midfielder managed to catch the eye, as he made 10 ball recoveries and made two interceptions – with both figures the highest of any player in Carrick’s squad.
Carrick has unearthed another Mainoo this season
The turnaround of Mainoo at United is a beautiful sight to behold for all supporters at Old Trafford, especially when the youngster looked set to depart the club a couple of years ago.
His period playing under Ruben Amorim was certainly one to forget, as the former Red Devils boss often refused to utilise the Englishman at the heart of his side.
The likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were selected ahead of the 21-year-old, which saw the academy graduate often have to settle for minutes off the substitutes bench.
He’s since become an influential squad member under Carrick since his appointment in February, with the same being said about teammate Marcus Rashford.
Like Mainoo, he was out of favour during the tenure of Amorim, subsequently being sent out on loan to likes of Aston Villa and FC Barcelona in the last few seasons.
However, like with the fellow academy graduate, Carrick has decided to reintegrate the 28-year-old into his senior squad in an attempt to secure Premier League glory.
He’s emulated his compatriot by starting each of the last couple of league outings, with his figures from the recent draw with the Toffees showcasing why he’s just as important as the midfielder.
Rashford managed to create two chances during the stalemate, whilst also managing to complete three dribbles – the most of any player in the Red Devils ranks.
He also completed the same number of dribbles during the victory over Ipswich the week prior, as the Englishman has constantly provided the goods within the final third.
Even without the ball, the 28-year-old has proven to be a valuable asset during such encounters, subsequently making five tackles and six ball recoveries during the two aforementioned outings.
His return to the senior ranks has been welcomed by the supporters over recent weeks, as the club look to end their near two-decade wait for a league title at Old Trafford.
Rashford and Mainoo could play a vital role in any efforts, as Carrick clearly has put a lorry load of faith into the academy graduates to deliver the goods.
Amorim’s decision to omit both of the talents is getting worse week after week, with both players undoubtedly two of the current managers most influential players.