For this person, it is the end, and for that person, it could be a new beginning. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are not the main midfielder duo of Manchester United for most of this season, especially during the time Ruben Amorim was in charge.
Before Amorim was sacked, Mainoo's future became unstable. The midfielder born in 2005 is said to be able to leave on loan, with Napoli expressing interest. That is an unpredictable change, reflecting Amorim's final shaking phase, who unexpectedly called Mainoo "Man United's future" just weeks before leaving the hot seat.
For Michael Carrick, that future is very close. The former captain's task is only temporary, but the goal is clear - to stabilize the team and bring Man United back to the Champions League. Right in his debut match, Carrick made an impression by changing the tactical system. The 4-2-3-1 formation was reused, Bruno Fernandes returned to his familiar number 10 role, and Mainoo paired with Casemiro in midfield.
That combination immediately became effective in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City. Mainoo actually possesses the ability to pass the ball, keep rhythm and escape pressing very well. He is more suitable when playing alongside a purely defensive midfielder like Casemiro. It is not surprising that Carrick, who was once a typical deep-back distribution midfielder, appreciates the qualities of this young player.
When Carrick returned to Old Trafford just 4 years after the previous breakup, the squad was almost completely changed. Only Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot worked with him in 2021. Mainoo is a special case - a player Carrick directly coached at the youth level.
I knew Kobbie when he was only 13 or 14 years old. He grew up very quickly, both professionally and bravely. Being able to make an impact in big matches at such an age says a lot" - Carrick shared.
In fact, Mainoo's progress is rare. He started the EURO 2024 final when he was still a teenager, after an excellent performance in the semi-finals. If 2025 is considered a pause, then 2026 is opening up opportunities to start over. Carrick - who has experienced many ups and downs in his football career - understands that better than anyone.
Another common point between the two generations of midfielders is the ability to read the game. Both Carrick and Mainoo are not players who are focused on strength or intensity, but they stand out in positioning thinking and the ability to connect play. That is also why they can become an important tactical piece.
This weekend, Mainoo will face Declan Rice at Emirates - his teammate in the England national team and former top target of Man United before joining Arsenal for 105 million pounds. While Mikel Arteta owns the most balanced midfield in the Premier League, Man United is entering a reconstruction phase, where Casemiro is preparing to leave and the future of the midfield has not yet been shaped.
Next season, the squad may change, and the coach may no longer be Carrick. But in the present moment, the combination of a veteran midfielder about to leave Old Trafford and a young talent who is finding his position may be the key to helping Man United overcome this unstable transition period.
