He has more to show — Michael Carrick backs 20-year-old Man Utd star to keep improving

Manchester United's interim manager, Michael Carrick, has singled out one player for praise, predicting a bright future for the star at Old Trafford.

Manchester United interim manager, Michael Carrick, has high hopes for Kobbie Mainoo, predicting a bright future for the midfielder who has successfully fought his way back into the first team.

Mainoo's career at Old Trafford appeared uncertain under former manager Ruben Amorim, with the young talent falling down the pecking order and attracting interest from clubs like Napoli. However, his fortunes have turned dramatically, and he has now started and completed the last four matches for the Red Devils.

Carrick backs Mainoo to keep getting better

Carrick has been impressed by the midfielder's resurgence and believes there is still significant potential to unlock. Speaking after United's 2-0 victory over Tottenham, Carrick praised Mainoo's development.

"There’s definitely more to come from him," Carrick stated. "That’s just the age he’s at, the stage he’s at in his career... he’s just starting out really essentially. He has got so much experience under his belt in big games and pressured situations, which is going to help him develop."

The manager highlighted the benefit of playing alongside seasoned professionals like Casemiro. "Playing next to Case and learning off him, things that he’s probably not even realising he’s picking up just by being next to him... I think that’s just part of his journey to learn and develop."

Carrick also stressed the importance of managing expectations for a young player. "I’m really conscious that he’s come in, he’s played the four games and he’s found his rhythm. Young players, they have times when they’re up and then they might have a little dip. That’s not all of a sudden he’s good or he’s a poor player, Kobbie is what he is."

"He’s doing fantastic at the moment, he’s having a really big impact on games, and we’ll keep working with him and helping him," he added.

When asked about Mainoo's ability to overcome a difficult period, Carrick credited the player's character but urged caution.

"There’s no doubt of Kobbie’s ability and what he can bring; he’s still so young, and let’s be careful not to put so much right on his shoulders and expect so much of him."

"Credit to him, he’s come right in and found his rhythm with football, which is not easy after a period of time out," Carrick concluded.