Interim coach expects to be part of conversations for summer recruitment
Michael Carrick is impressed by Kobbie Mainoo and believes the club should have such young talented players always coming through the academy.
Mainoo was on the fringes for much of Ruben Amorim’s tenure, and was even linked to an exit in two transfer windows, but he has had an immediate resurgence under Carrick and reports emerged this week the club are preparing a new contract for the midfielder.
“I’ve really enjoyed working with Kobbie,” said Carrick. “I’ve known him since he was young. I started working with him when he was 13, 14 years old when I was going through my badges [as a coach].
“This club needs young players coming through and being the foundation for understanding what the club means. Kobbie’s a prime example, to come through so quickly and have his rapid rise is impressive.”
United are not expected to make any signings this window, with targets unavailable and the club preparing for a major midfield rebuild in the summer. Despite only being in the job in the interim, Carrick expects to be involved in conversations surrounding recruitment.
“Looking too far down the track hasn’t happened just yet – I think it’s been the initial thoughts of what’s happening now,” Carrick said. “The important thing for me is any decision I make or my staff make or the club make – it’s not short-term, not just to get through to the end of the season.
“I’ve got responsibility for whatever happens next for the club to make sure it is in a good place and moving forward. So, as time goes on I’m sure I’ll be part of [conversations] and we’ll work our way through it.”
