Kobbie Mainoo’s proposed loan move to Napoli was reportedly close to completion before Michael Carrick’s appointment changed the Manchester United midfielder’s situation.
Mainoo’s progress had stalled under Ruben Amorim, who left the England international on the fringes of the first-team picture. But Carrick, installed as United’s interim manager in January, quickly made him an important part of his plans.
Kobbie Mainoo’s turnaround at Manchester United
Fabrizio Romano said the midfielder’s revival had been one of the clearest changes at Old Trafford, with the club now viewing Mainoo as an important figure for both the present and the future.
“I wanted to mention how happy is everyone at Man United with Kobbie. It’s about Michael Carrick. It’s about the club,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
He added that the Napoli negotiations had been “really concrete” and “very advanced” during the January window, before the change in management altered the course of Mainoo’s career.
“Then United changed the manager. Michael Carrick arrives and Mainoo immediately becomes a crucial part of the project,” Romano said.
Mainoo has since signed a new contract and is said to be happy with his position at Manchester United. Romano said the club were “delighted” with the player and believed retaining him had proved a smart decision.
The 21-year-old has continued to feature prominently despite United bringing in Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos to strengthen their midfield during the summer.
Mainoo initially established himself in the first team under Erik ten Hag, but his future at Old Trafford appeared uncertain before Carrick’s intervention gave his Manchester United career fresh impetus.
