Roy Keane and Paul Scholes have shared their thoughts on Kobbie Mainoo’s return to the Manchester United line-up, following Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim head coach.
The midfielder has worked his way back into the starting XI after being sidelined during Ruben Amorim’s time in charge.
Before Amorim was dismissed, Mainoo had started just one game across all competitions this season.
Under Carrick, though, things have changed quickly. Mainoo has now started two consecutive league games and is looking to establish himself again in the squad.
Paul Scholes comments on Kobbie Mainoo’s return to the Man Utd starting XI under Michael Carrick
Kobbie Mainoo made his first Premier League start of the season in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Manchester City in the final Manchester derby of the campaign.
Mainoo played the full 90 minutes and featured alongside Casemiro in a two-man midfield pivot under Carrick.
Scholes pointed out how significant it was to see Mainoo back in the line-up for Sunday’s match against Arsenal at the Emirates.
“I mean, that’s what I’m talking about with what Arsenal is missing,” the former midfielder said on the Stick to Football podcast.
“Kobbie and Fernandes, they make your team play football. When they had just been doing it with Fernandes, they sent someone to play.
“He didn’t really have anyone to play with. Now, Kobbie’s also got that ability to play with someone. It makes a big difference.”
Roy Keane’s verdict on Man Utd and England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the post-Ruben Amorim era at Old Trafford
Mainoo featured alongside Casemiro again in United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates, picking up an important assist for the winning goal.
It marked back-to-back full matches in the Premier League for the 20-year-old, a first for him this season.
Keane pointed out how quickly things can shift in football, especially after all the talk about Mainoo’s future under Amorim seemed to fade away once Carrick took over.
The Irishman said: “Bring Mainoo back in, we’re talking about six, seven weeks, so Mainoo should leave Man United.
“He goes, no, bide your time, you might get that chance. But when you get the chance, what he has done.
“But what he’s done Gary, with Mainoo – obviously in football you get opportunities – but you’ve got to take it.
“[A] Man City home derby game – big game for United – Arsenal away. Arsenal have gone really well. So you couldn’t ask for any more.
“Absolutely. It’s been brilliant.”
So far this season, Mainoo has contributed two assists for Manchester United in his 16 appearances across all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign.]
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