Carrick’s trust changes the picture
Kobbie Mainoo’s form has become one of the clearest signs of how Manchester United have shifted under Michael Carrick. Micah Richards believes the midfielder looks like a player who has been trusted again, after a period when the previous manager did not seem to rely on him in the same way.
For Richards, the main difference is confidence. Mainoo returned to the team with pressure around him, because many United supporters wanted to see him back in midfield. Getting the chance was only one part of the task. He still had to show that he could handle the role, and his recent performances have answered that challenge.
A timely spell before the summer
The timing also looks useful for the player. Mainoo has signed a new club contract this week, and he was also back in the England squad in March. With the World Cup coming this summer, Richards feels the midfielder has started to find rhythm at an important stage of the season.
The next target is consistency. Richards said he once saw Mainoo as a very special talent, but later wondered exactly which midfield job would suit him best. If he can settle as a number six, protect the team, and still move forward at the right moments, he may grow into a top level player.
