Carrick was a world-class #6 himself. He built his rep on positioning, passing, controlling tempo. That's exactly Mainoo's game.
Carrick's impact since January: best PPG in the league at 2.25, Bruno back at #10, United playing direct, front-foot football. If anyone can develop Mainoo into a 10-year United captain, it's Carrick.
In Carrick's 4-2-3-1, Mainoo is the progressive 8. So we need a proper #6 next to him. Not another Ugarte - we need a holder who can actually pass. Think Casemiro but younger, or a Rice/Baleba type.
He's not a "prospect" anymore. He's our base.
On the ball.Press-resistant like you wouldn't believe. 3-4 players around him and he'll still take a touch, roll his hips, and glide out. Carries the ball 5-10 yards every time he gets it. That breaks lines without a pass. Off the ball:Reads danger well for his age. 2.1 tackles, 1.8 interceptions per 90 when fit. Engine: Covers 11-12km a game.
Carrick built his career on exactly what Mainoo does best:
Carrick was never the fastest, but he was always in the right spot. He's already got Mainoo dropping 5 yards deeper to receive, not getting caught.
Tempo: Carrick's United since Jan play fast, but controlled. Mainoo sets that tempo. Bruno's spoken about how Carrick tells Mainoo "you dictate, I'll follow".
Trust: Carrick made him undroppable at 20. No loan, no "earn it for 3 years". If you're good enough, you're old enough. That's the Class of 92 rule.
Mainoo, Anderson and Bruno can’t play in the same midfield.
Two 8’s and a 10.
Anderson wants to run forward, he doesn’t want to do Casemiro’s job.
People aren’t ready for that conversation.
The funny thing about Angel Michael and style of play is that the moment Lammens was clearly instructed to play what Carrick did at Boro, Man United almost lost their halftime record to Liverpool. What do you people think Hackney did under him?
You have 4 eyes and you’re still blind to the truth. 3 points from 12th while he was on a run of games without a win is not pole position. He was one game week away from dropping to 12th and his next two matches were City and Arsenal which he was never going to win.