Michael Carrick has already told former teammate which Man Utd player he wants to ‘build around’, fans will be delighted

Kobbie Mainoo could be set to play a much more prominent role throughout the second half of the campaign under Michael Carrick.Indeed, the Manchester United starlet is set to be rewarded for biding his time and seeing out a difficult few months in the final stages of Ruben Amorim’s reign; Mainoo did not start once in the 20 Premier League matches Amorim oversaw before he was relieved of his duties last week. Appearances Unused sub Minutes played 12 4 228 *Mainoo’s league record this term (Transfermarkt)Carrick is at Carrington today to finalise his arrival as United’s caretaker manager, having been chosen over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to lead the side until the summer, when a permanent appointment will be made.What did Carrick have to say about Mainoo? (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)He’s already spoken of the influence a player like Mainoo can have at Old Trafford, too.When Rio Ferdinand asked the former midfielder if a player like the youngster is one he’d choose to ‘build around’, Carrick responded back in July: “Yeah. I think for a club to have a player that’s come through the academy and knows the club and feels it… I think Man United’s got to have an element of that. [They] always have done and always will.“I think to have a talent like he’s shown already, you’ve got to have players like that, where you say, ‘Right, they get it. They know it.’ Let’s help them, let’s build them and stick with them. There’s definitely a place for him there, for sure.” Rio asks Michael Carrick if he’d build around Kobbie Mainoo CC: @rioferdy5, @carras16, #MUFC pic.twitter.com/qAjoYiKoTJ — Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) January 13, 2026When might Mainoo make his first league start?(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Alas, supporters will be keeping a close eye on Carrick’s first few line-ups and whether Mainoo makes the cut – or whether he progressively reintroduces him to the action with increased minutes in the coming weeks, especially considering United’s next two fixtures are against Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal.