“What he has done…”: Roy Keane believes United star is central to team’s rise under Michael Carrick

Kobbie Mainoo has enjoyed a new lease of life since former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim’s departure from Old Trafford earlier this month. The Portuguese was relieved of his duties following the 1-1 draw against Leeds United, marking the end to a turbulent 14-month reign. Amorim took charge at the Theatre of Dreams in November 2024 as Erik ten Hag’s replacement and proceeded to implement his 3-4-3 system. While Mainoo was in and out of the starting XI under the Portuguese last season, his situation abruptly changed this campaign. The 20 year old managed just 12 appearances in all competitions under Amorim this season, only one of which was a start. The highly rated academy graduate, who had previously caught the imagination of fans under Ten Hag, became a peripheral figure under the Portuguese, adding to speculation regarding his future. Mainoo was heavily linked with an exit in January, but INEOS’ decision to part ways with Amorim instantly turned his fortunes around. Heavily involved in recent games Mainoo managed just 302 minutes of first-team football this season under Amorim, with his only start coming in the disastrous defeat to League Two minnows Grimsby Town in the EFL Cup second round. In contrast, the English midfielder has started three of the four games since the Portuguese head coach’s departure and has clocked 258 minutes of action. Mainoo came off the bench against Burnley and started the FA Cup defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, which were the two games under interim manager Darren Fletcher. Following Michael Carrick’s appointment as caretaker manager until the end of the season, the young midfielder has retained his position in the starting XI. Mainoo was excellent in Carrick’s first two games in charge against both Manchester City and Arsenal, playing the full 90 minutes and helping secure back-to-back wins. He even set up Matheus Cunha’s stunning winner against the Gunners. Kobbie Mainoo Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League142-1–408′ FA Cup11–1-62′ EFL Cup11-1–90′ Total164-21-560′ Source: Transfermarkt. Mainoo’s efforts have earned him high praise from former Red Devils skipper Roy Keane. Keane hails ‘brilliant’ Mainoo Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane hinted that Mainoo was one of the key reasons for United’s resurgence under Carrick. He said: “Players are back available, he brought Maguire back in…brings Mainoo back in.” “We were talking here about six or seven weeks ago, ‘Mainoo should leave Man United.’ You go, ‘No, bide your time, you might get that chance.’ But when you get that chance, what he has done…” “In football, you get opportunities, but you’ve got to take it. Man City, at home, in a derby game, Arsenal away…you couldn’t ask for any more. It’s been brilliant.” Final Thoughts Any talk of Mainoo’s potential exit has vapourised since Carrick’s arrival, and if recent games are any indication, the youngster is going to get plenty of chances in the coming months. The English midfielder is highly regarded across Europe and his regular involvement with the first team could help transform United’s fortunes. Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Arsenal: 100% long pass accuracy 85% pass accuracy 51 touches 4 passes into the final third 4 ball recoveries 2 chances created1 shot 1 assist Easy to forget he’s still just 20. 😳 pic.twitter.com/rQF6rJpKFD — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 25, 2026 Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.