Carrick: 'Kobbie Mainoo epitomises Man Utd' | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has said that young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo 'epitomises' the club after signing a new deal.

The academy product penned a new deal with United this week that is set to keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2030/31 season.

"I’ve been hugely impressed with Kobbie since I’ve been here," Carrick said when asked about the England international. 

"I think I’ve known him for quite some time in different capacities, but I’ve certainly been aware of him for a long time. He epitomises this football club, you know? Young players coming through the Academy, who live and breathe the club and come through with real talent. He’s shown what he’s doing, I think the last couple of games in particular he’s been fantastic. 

"The natural thing and the evolution is to sign a new contract and everyone’s over the moon with that, including me, because I think he deserves it."

Mainoo struggled for game time under Ruben Amorim this game and got injured during Bruno Fernandes' brief injury however he's been an ever-present figure under Carrick since his arrival.

"Like all the players, I think, trying to get that relationship and understanding, building relationships," the interim boss said about giving the youngster credit after a difficult period. 

"Certainly understanding what it had looked like for Kobbie over the last two or three years, the ups and the downs and the big highs and some challenging times. Letting him thrive, just giving him that platform to go and be himself. 

"He’s evolved, he’s improving all the time. I think you can see that, with more confidence, more responsibility, more belief. He keeps adding to his game and he’s certainly done that. So just giving him that platform and that opportunity to go and be the best version. 

"As I just said, he’s done fantastic and there’s loads more to come. I keep saying that because he’s just a young man. He’s in a great spot at the moment."

Mainoo is likely to start on Sunday as Manchester United host rivals Liverpool while hoping to stay third in the Premier League.