Since Michael Carrick took over as Manchester United manager from Ruben Amorim last month, the biggest talking point - aside from the four wins - has been the revival of Kobbie Mainoo in the starting XI. 

The 20-year old has already played more minutes under Carrick than he had the entire season under Amorim, who could not find a place for a youngster in his favoured 343 system. 

However, since the change of manager, Mainoo has gone straight into the team, playing all but three minutes over the last four wins, and playing very well in the process. 

But he is not the only player having a revival at Old Trafford. Indeed not, as central defender Harry Maguire has been near colossal since Carrick took charge of the team. 

Although his situation under Amorim was not quite as terminal as Mainoo's - back in the autumn, he had a run of four starts in six league games, and scored the winner at Anfield, before picking up an injury - you always felt that with everyone fit and available, the 32-year-old was not seen as a starter by the Portuguese manager. 

Yet, it is clear that Carrick rates Maguire massively and has started him in all four games so far. Aside from his penalty concession against Fulham, he has been rock solid throughout, marking Erling Haaland out of the Manchester derby alongside partner Lisandro Martinez. 

Well, it looks like 'slabhead' could be rewarded for his good form. The defender is currently out of contract at United this summer, but journalists Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt are now reporting that he is "increasingly likely" to sign a new contract at the club.

This certainly becomes interesting re Carrick. Is this perhaps a sign that he will be manager beyond this season? It could be solely a club decision, but players signing contracts whilst there is an interim manager in charge is certainly worth noting. 

During Carrick's last spell in charge of the team, for four games in 2021, Maguire played all 270 minutes he was available for, so it is very clear he is rated by his current boss.

Let's hope that Thomas Tuchel has been watching. The United centre-half has not played for England since September 2024 - coincidentally, the game that Mainoo last appeared in, too. He has been so important for England over the years, so if he continues to play well until the end of the season, why shouldn't he go to the World Cup?

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