Questions about Kobbie Mainoo once became a familiar "drama" in Manchester's press conferences under coach Ruben Amorim. Clearly, the former Man United captain did not really believe that this young midfielder deserved such great attention. But Amorim was wrong.
Before Michael Carrick arrived, Mainoo had never been trusted to start a single match in the Premier League this season. Under Carrick, he was in the starting lineup in all 4 matches and the "Red Devils" won all 4. If they overcome West Ham in the middle of the week, a fan might finally cut his hair as promised.
The combination with Casemiro - something Amorim once considered impossible - is creating a positive effect, not to mention that system change has helped Bruno Fernandes maximize his ability in his forte role. Mainoo integrates into the new structure naturally, as if he originally belonged to it from the beginning.
This young player deserves praise for catching up quickly even though he rarely played before. Bringing balance to the midfield is one thing, witnessing a truly "living" academy product in the first team is another joy for fans.
In the match against Tottenham, Mainoo made 33 successful passes in the last 1/3 of the field, 12 more passes than any previous match of his in the Premier League. That is also the highest number on the field and belongs to the outstanding group of the whole round.
Casemiro is also not inferior. Carrick describes both as "an important part in controlling the match". Of course, Spurs having only 10 players is an advantage, but when Carrick says he likes "the way Kobbie handles the ball" and calls him "a pleasure to watch", it is also understandable why Mainoo is being trusted.
It must be acknowledged that he has quickly integrated and regained his form, which is not easy after a period of break. We know he has good ball handling ability and hope that over time, he will continue to improve. We need to be patient and should not expect too much from him at any time" - Carrick shared.
Mainoo - only 20 years old - once faced the risk of becoming a wasted talent if Amorim continued to take power. Instead, Carrick helped him prove his qualities. And perhaps, looking back, Mainoo could be completely useful for Amorim if he was given the opportunity.
I just want to win" - Amorim once explained the decision not to trust Mainoo. But the paradox is that Man United did not win at that time, and Mainoo was not in the starting lineup.
An coach may prioritize short-term results, but when it comes with the neglect of talents suitable for the future of the club, the price to pay is often later and more painful.
This raises a big question about how coaches treat young players in pressured clubs like Man United. Talent does not disappear on its own, sometimes it is only obscured by impatience, by safe choices or by an inappropriate system.
