Michael Carrick reveals the mistake Ruben Amorim made with Man Utd star who is ‘a joy to watch’

Michael Carrick has praised the form of rejuvenated Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo who has been ‘a joy to watch’.

The England international had been considering his future at his boyhood club having failed to win the faith of Ruben Amorim.

Carrick’s appointment as interim boss has seen the gifted midfielder promoted straight back into the starting XI where he has formed an instant understanding with the equally impressive Casemiro.

That partnership has allowed Bruno Fernandes to operate in a more advanced position and United have looked a far more cohesive unit over the course of the last two games than they ever did under Amorim.

Succesive wins over Manchester City and Arsenal have made a mockery of Amorim’s doubts over Mainoo’s durability and Carrick believes his predecessor made an error in ‘pigeonholing’ the 20-year-old.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Fulham, Carrick said: ‘Sometimes we can pigeonhole players quite quickly but it’s not always the case.

‘Kobbie can play different roles within that, but definitely with Cassie in the middle, the last couple of games they’ve had a really good pairing and been a big part of controlling the team.’

Such has been Mainoo’s impact over the last fortnight that it would be no surprise were he to force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans.

Carrick, however, insists it’s important the player takes the adulation that has flown his way since his recall in his stride.

He added: ‘He’s so young, Kobbie.

‘He’s had some real highs and he’s had some disappointments, that’s natural. I was similar myself when you’re young and coming through.

‘It makes him better,  stronger and more experienced and he’s showing that. He’s a joy to watch.

‘A big part of being a top player, is being able to cope with the environment.

‘He came into the side at such a young age and played some big games.

‘He’s played in finals for us and the Euros for England, playing a big part in those games too.

‘So just being able to cope first off is a huge thing — and he’s proved he can.

‘Kobbie’s in a good place at the moment and we’ve got to keep pushing him, supporting him and improving him.’