Carrick does something special for Mainoo after World Cup shock

Coach Michael Carrick gave special attention to Kobbie Mainoo during the period when the young Manchester United midfielder experienced a disappointing 2026 World Cup with England.

Kobbie Mainoo entered the 2026 World Cup with high expectations after regaining his place and form in the Manchester United shirt under Michael Carrick. However, the tournament on North American soil became an unforgettable experience for the 21-year-old midfielder in a way no one wanted.

Mainoo ended his World Cup journey without being used by coach Thomas Tuchel for a single minute. For most of the tournament, the Man United star became a controversial figure as other options were continuously chosen in midfield. Sky Sports pointed out that even when changes were needed in the central area, Tuchel still preferred Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, or even Reece James over giving Mainoo a chance.

Notably, during the time his student had to sit on the bench, Michael Carrick kept in regular contact with Mainoo. The MU coach understood that being at the biggest football festival in the world but not playing could have a significant impact on a young player's mentality.

According to The Sun, Carrick communicated with Mainoo throughout the World Cup and tried to help the English midfielder see the situation in a more positive light. The 45-year-old manager wanted his student to enjoy the tournament experience, while continuing to train, stay professional, and always be ready if an opportunity arose. The special thing is that Carrick almost exactly understood the feeling Mainoo was going through.

During his playing days, the former Manchester United midfielder found himself in a similar situation under Fabio Capello at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Carrick was in the England squad but was not used in the tournament. That experience helped the Red Devils' coach understand that simple advice like "be happy to be at the World Cup" may not be enough for a professional player who always craves to play.

Carrick admitted that a player should naturally cherish being part of the World Cup, but from a human and professional athlete's perspective, the disappointment of not playing is completely understandable. More importantly for Manchester United, Mainoo seems to have put that shock behind him.

Carrick revealed that the 21-year-old midfielder returned to Old Trafford with a very good mental state and quickly reintegrated into club work. The English coach assessed that Mainoo is in a positive position and "ready for a big season".

That can be seen as a particularly important signal for Mainoo in the context of Man United's midfield entering a new competition. The club added Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos in the summer, alongside existing options like Mainoo or Mason Mount. Carrick even confirmed that the team still wants to strengthen further with a midfielder if they find a truly suitable option.

However, Mainoo's position under Carrick is still very different from the period when he struggled to find playing time. Before the World Cup, Mainoo himself publicly thanked Carrick for giving him regular opportunities at Manchester United, which helped him return to the England squad and earn a spot in the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup could therefore become a harsh but valuable lesson for Mainoo. And in the most difficult time, the midfielder who grew up from Carrington had by his side a teacher who had been through the exact same situation.