Manchester United: Michael Carrick issues Kobbie Mainoo verdict after Casemiro exit confirmed | OneFootball

Young midfielder struggled for game time under previous regime

Michael Carrick has hailed Kobbie Mainoo as a “prime example” of how young players are the “foundation” of Manchester United.

The Red Devils are reportedly set to open talks with the midfielder over a new contract.

The England international was hardly used by Carrick’s predecessor Ruben Amorim, which led to Mainoo unsuccessfully requesting to be loaned out.

Since then, Amorim has departed and Carrick has taken over the reins at Old Trafford on an interim basis, with Mainoo starting his first game in charge against Manchester City last weekend.

"This club needs young players coming through," Carrick said of United’s young players.

"They are the foundation of the club - they understand what it means - and for the supporters as well.

"It's something we need to keep building on and Kobbie is a prime example.

"I was working with him at 13 or 14 when I was doing my [coaching] badges.

"To come through so quickly, have such a rapid rise and play in some big games at such a young age shows a lot of quality in terms of his character and being able to handle it."

The news of a rumoured new deal for Mainoo follows United’s confirmation that Casemiro would leave the club upon the expiry of his own contract.

The Brazilian had an additional year’s extension option that the club could have triggered, but they have decided not to, with Carrick confirming that the decision had been taken before he was appointed.

“It was decided before I arrived,” Carrick said of Casemiro’s confirmed departure.

Casemiro, 33, is not the only player to be out of contract this summer, with defender Harry Maguire also approaching the end of his deal.

“It is coming into that time of the season with contracts,” Carrick continued.

“We are working away through January. There will be conversations at the right time. The announcement for Case was for clarity.”