Kobbie Mainoo has hit form at the right time

When you watch Kobbie Mainoo, the influence of Michael Carrick is increasingly clear. 

Where the previous manager appeared unconvinced, the current set-up has placed trust in him and, with it, a growing sense of assurance.

That self-belief is now evident in his performances.

There had been plenty of calls for Mainoo’s inclusion, but stepping into the side under that level of expectation is another matter. He has met it. Manchester United supporters were keen to see him restored, yet selection alone is not enough. Delivering on the pitch is what matters, and he has done just that.

A new contract signed this week and a return to the England national football team squad in March suggest his timing is well judged, particularly with the FIFA World Cup looming this summer.

The next step is consistency. On his emergence, there was a sense he might develop into something exceptional. For a period, though, his role was less clearly defined. Was he a six or an eight?

Man United fans new song for Kobbie Mainoo.

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If he can establish himself as a number six, offering defensive control while choosing his moments to drive forward as he did for his goal, that may well shape his future as a top-level midfielder.

Poster boy for the club

The midfielder has become the poster boy for the club. This is is amazing considering he had a request to join Napoli on loan turned down last summer. At the start of the season, he did not start a league game for five months and he was preparing for tough discussions over his future before Ruben Amorim was sacked. 

Mainoo loving life after Liverpool win

After the win over Liverpool, he told the media: "Never an easy game against Liverpool, glad to come out with a win. Liverpool are a good side, we didn't come out as sharp as we should have but we came away with a win."

Disclaimer | Everything here was the view of the author Liam C not that of GM Super News.