How 'monster' Kobbie Mainoo has become better for Man Utd under Carrick

Kobbie Mainoo has been branded a "monster" by Harry Maguire who tells how Michael Carrick has made him into an even better player.

The centre half spoke after the midfielder's impressive display in the victory over Ipswich Town.

Mainoo made his first start of the season as United came from behind to beat Ipswich 5-2 at Old Trafford.

He impressed with his composure and quality on the ball, but it was his work without possession that particularly caught Maguire's attention.

The United defender believes Mainoo has made significant progress since Carrick took charge.

“He was brilliant, Kobbie," said Maguire. “To think he hasn’t played for I don’t know how long and didn't really get many minutes in pre-season. He was magnificent.

“He put a great shift in and his work without the ball has improved so much since Michael’s been in.”

Maguire credited Carrick and his coaching staff for helping Mainoo develop another side of his game.

“That’s credit to Michael and his staff. But without the ball now, he’s becoming a real monster in there," he said. “He wins a lot of second balls. He wins a lot of duels.

“You won’t want to play against him in there and that’s the biggest compliment I can give to him from playing and watching him behind.”

United have strengthened heavily in the middle of the pitch, bringing in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba.

Competition for places is stronger than ever but Mainoo showed why he should still be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Carrick handed Mainoo his first start of the campaign after managing his minutes during pre-season and the opening weeks of the season.

And he was delighted with the way the midfielder responded. “I thought he was fantastic today, Kobbie," he said.

“It was nice for him to be home again and playing here with that confidence. It was his first start.”

Carrick explained that the club had needed to carefully manage a number of players who had returned at different stages and with different levels of match fitness.

“Some of the boys have been away and had different levels of football at the World Cup; they’ve played different minutes, so we’ve had to manage that over the last couple of weeks," said Carrick

“To put in that performance today shows what Kobbie can do.”

The competition for places is something Carrick sees as a major positive.

“We’re fortunate enough to have a really good midfield unit, and we can call upon different players at different times," he said. “I was really happy with the way he played today.”

Mainoo's technical ability has never been in doubt. His ability to receive the ball under pressure, turn away from opponents and carry United through midfield has made him one of the club's most exciting young players.

But Maguire's comments point to an important part of his development. Mainoo is increasingly being asked to contribute when United do not have the ball.

Against Ipswich, his willingness to compete for second balls and engage in duels helped United establish greater control in midfield after a difficult start to the game.

His performance came at an important time. United's summer signings have increased the competition in midfield, while Baleba's eventual return from injury will give Carrick yet another option.

And Mainoo showed that he can contribute more in matches with tracking back and building play.