What ‘complete’ Man United fan-favourite is now thinking about January transfer after Michael Carrick appointment

Kobbie Mainoo remains open to a mid-season departure from Manchester United if he is not promised adequate game time.That’s according to MailSport, which adds that the youngster is as ‘desperate as ever’ to play a prominent role in the build-up to this summer’s World Cup. 🔴 UTD CONFIDENTIAL 🔴 👀 Ineos admiration for De Zerbi❌ No change in transfer plans for Carrick⏰ Mainoo wants minutes assurance🇸🇦 Saudi friendly back on agenda🤝 Exeter welcomed to Carrington❓ What now for the U21s? w/@ChrisWheelerDM #mufc https://t.co/lEEcJ0Si0J — Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) January 13, 2026Kobbie Mainoo’s England career thus far(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)Mainoo has earned 10 senior caps for England since his debut in March 2024, with the bulk coming in that year’s Euros tournament under Gareth Southgate.He made six appearances in the competition, including starts from the last-16 to the Three Lions’ eventual defeat in the final to Spain.However, he has not been called up to the side since September 2024, when Lee Carsley had taken the reins on an interim basis, meaning Mainoo faces a real uphill battle to prove himself to Thomas Tuchel from now until the end of the season.Mainoo ‘desperate’ for starting role under Michael Carrick(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)The power ultimately rests in Michael Carrick’s hands – now that it’s been confirmed he’ll be leading the Reds in their top-four charge for the remainder of 2025/2026.Ruben Amorim bid farewell to Old Trafford without granting the 20-year-old a single Premier League start. Darren Fletcher then utilised Mainoo off the bench in the sole league game he managed against Burnley, but did include him in the XI that took on Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup last Sunday.Fans are now pondering exactly what role the midfielder – hailed as a ‘complete’ player by counterpart Casemiro – will oversee in Carrick’s plans.Carrick previously told Rio Ferdinand that Mainoo is the type of player you ‘build around’, given he represents everything United pride themselves on regarding homegrown, academy talents making the leap to the first team.Manchester City and Arsenal are the first fixtures Carrick will be in the dugout for over the next fortnight.