“Please release Koby Mynu.”
It’s a sentiment many Manchester United fans, and even Mainu’s own family, have been unashamed to make public over the past year. It’s no exaggeration to say that the 20-year-old’s early career and momentum hit a major crossroads under Ruben Amorim.
The midfielder, who Gary Neville once described as having “the world at his feet” after his maiden match, played a key role for England as the Three Lions reached the 2024 Euro finals.
The Premier League season has yet to begin, but Maynou has someone to learn from Michael Carrick as he harbors hopes of making a sensational return to the national team.
United’s new interim head coach has enjoyed great success cycling through the midfield during his playing days. Now, one of his many tasks will be to free Mainu up, as concerns remain in the center of the park at Old Trafford.
“I think he’s more of an attacker. I don’t see him as a holding midfielder,” Carrick said when asked about Mainu at Rio Meets in the summer.
“He’s probably a player on the line who has a little bit more freedom. I think there are different ways to defend. You can defend a little bit with that high line, but it’s a little different defending right next to the centre-backs.
“I’ve seen him play a little bit higher with that freedom, create the ball, win the ball. I think he has a big future. I really like him. I think he just needs a little patience and a little break. I’m sure he’ll get it.”
“He’s got it and he’s showing it. It’s a breath of fresh air to see him come forward with the ball and play and get people involved and be able to make plays, be able to dribble, be able to pass. It never leaves you and I think it’s just a wave that comes and goes over time. I’ve seen that over and over again.”
Last month, Mainu’s younger brother wore a shirt with “Free Coby Mainu” printed on the front. Credit – Jordan Mainoo-Hames/Instagram
Asked directly whether he would build the current United team around him, Carrick replied: “I think the club needs players who come from the academy and know the club and feel the club, and I think we have to do that.”
“United need that element, they always have, always should and always have.
“To have the kind of talent that he’s already shown, you need a player like that. They can say they get it, they know it and they can say let’s help them, build them up and stick with them. I think there’s definitely a place for him there.”
Saturday, January 17th 11am
12:30pm kickoff
Where does Mainu play his best football?
The problem for Mainu at the moment is that he has yet to decide on a clear role in Man United’s first team. In November, Paul Scholes told Sky Sports that United’s ideal midfielder would need to be able to “do everything”.
The same thought was echoed by Carrick, who told Rio Ferdinand: “A good midfielder can play in many different ways.” Since breaking through that theory, Minenu has been the subject of experiments to test it.
Mainu has played a variety of roles since joining Manchester United’s first team.
Under manager Erik ten Hag, the then 18-year-old was given his first start at Everton at the foot of United’s midfield and impressed alongside Scott McTominay. In his first season, he was once again part of the top two in midfield, this time partnering with Sofian Amrabat to score the winning goal.
For England, Mainu will play a similar role at the Euros as a No. 8 alongside Declan Rice, starting every game from the final group stage match onwards.
Amorim’s eventual arrival at Man United brought Mainu’s role into question. Initially used as part of a top two, sitting in front of Amorim’s infamous back three, Mainu was used throughout the season as a No. 10 and at times as a false No. 9.
This campaign, Amorim has made it clear that Mainu intends to compete with stalwart Bruno Fernandes for a place in the team. The United captain had started every game this season, with the exception of United’s defeat at Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, before his injury in December.
However, Maynu also suffered an injury and was unable to play until Fernandes returned. The 3-4-2-1 did not suit Maynou, but upon his return to the team under manager Darren Fletcher he reverted to a flatter back four and showed some promise.
4-2-3-1 was Carrick’s most used formation during his time at Middlesbrough, with the former Man United midfielder setting up this formation in 90% of his games at the Riverside.
Mainoo could emerge as one of the big beneficiaries of Carrick’s 17 games at his old club. Perhaps we’ll see a change in match-day attire from members of the Mainoo family concerned about his lack of “freedom.”
