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Kobbie Mainoo has acknowledged Michael Carrick’s crucial role in reviving his international prospects after being named in England’s 26-member squad for the upcoming World Cup. The young Manchester United midfielder expressed that he feels “very grateful” to the newly-confirmed permanent Old Trafford manager for the trust and confidence shown in him since taking over.

Mainoo welcomes Carrick’s full-time appointment

Manchester United recently announced that Michael Carrick has signed a permanent deal running until 2028, following a highly successful interim spell after Ruben Amorim’s departure. The decision has been met with enthusiasm within the dressing room, with Mainoo revealing that the players were eager for the former club captain to continue in charge on a long-term basis.

Speaking from England’s training camp in Florida, Mainoo told talkSPORT: “We were all really happy with the news because we’ve backed the manager from day one. We’ve had so many strong performances under him, and I really appreciate the way he coaches and manages me personally within the team. I think everyone in the squad feels the same, so when it became official, the whole group was buzzing.”

A turning point after struggles under Amorim

Just a few months ago, the 21-year-old’s inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad appeared improbable. During Ruben Amorim’s tenure, Mainoo faced uncertainty about his future at Manchester United after being left out of the starting lineup. He did not start a single Premier League game under the Portuguese manager, but everything changed when Carrick took charge in January.

Reflecting on how Carrick’s faith influenced his national team call-up, Mainoo said: “Definitely, and I told him how thankful I was. If he hadn’t trusted me to play, I wouldn’t even be here today, so I’ll always appreciate that.” Under Carrick’s guidance, the midfielder became a regular fixture, missing only one of the 17 league matches during their impressive late-season run.

Champions League qualification and United resurgence

Mainoo played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s late-season climb to third place in the Premier League. His most memorable moment came at Old Trafford when he netted the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Liverpool last month. That victory confirmed United’s return to the UEFA Champions League and solidified Carrick’s credentials as the ideal long-term manager. Carrick’s approach has helped bring out the best in Mainoo, who previously said the players are so committed to their boss that they “want to follow him, fight for him and give everything for him on the pitch.”

Tuchel places faith in youth for the World Cup

Mainoo will now aim to add to his 12 international caps for the Three Lions. Despite his young age, he already has major tournament experience, having featured in six matches during England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final. However, this will mark his first World Cup appearance, and Tuchel is expected to rely on his energy, composure, and versatility in midfield as England face a challenging Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Before the tournament begins, England will play two warm-up matches in Florida — against New Zealand on June 6 and Costa Rica on June 10 — as Mainoo looks to cement his position in Tuchel’s starting lineup.