Michael Carrick has praised the shape of rejuvenated Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo who has been ‘a joy to look at’.
The England international had been considering his future at his boyhood club having didn’t win the religion of Ruben Amorim.
Carrick’s appointment as interim boss has seen the gifted midfielder promoted straight back into the starting XI where he has formed an fast understanding with the equally impressive Casemiro.
That partnership has allowed Bruno Fernandes to operate in a more advanced position and United have looked a much more cohesive unit over the course of the last two games than they ever did under Amorim.
Succesive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal have made a mockery of Amorim’s doubts over Mainoo’s durability and Carrick believes his predecessor made an error in ‘pigeonholing’ the 20-year-old.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Fulham, Carrick said: ‘Sometimes we are able to pigeonhole players quite quickly nevertheless it’s not at all times the case.
‘Kobbie can play different roles inside that, but definitely with Cassie in the center, the last couple of games they’ve had a extremely good pairing and been a giant a part of controlling the team.’
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Such has been Mainoo’s impact during the last fortnight that it might be no surprise were he to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.
Carrick, nonetheless, insists it’s vital the player takes the adulation that has flown his way since his recall in his stride.
He added: ‘He’s so young, Kobbie.
‘He’s had some real highs and he’s had some disappointments, that’s natural. I used to be similar myself if you’re young and coming through.
‘It makes him higher, stronger and more experienced and he’s showing that. He’s a joy to look at.
‘A giant a part of being a top player, is with the ability to address the environment.
‘He got here into the side at such a young age and played some big games.
‘He’s played in finals for us and the Euros for England, playing a giant part in those games too.
‘So just with the ability to cope first off is a large thing — and he’s proved he can.
‘Kobbie’s in a superb place in the mean time and we’ve got to maintain pushing him, supporting him and improving him.’
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