Nicky Butt challenges the academy graduate to increase his goal output and mobility as Michael Carrick entrusts the 21-year-old with a vital role in United’s midfield resurgence.
Manchester United have made an inconsistent start to the new season, recording one win and one defeat against newly promoted opposition.
The campaign began with a disappointing loss away to Hull City, but the Red Devils responded emphatically with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
One notable adjustment made by Michael Carrick for that match was the inclusion of Kobbie Mainoo in midfield alongside Youri Tielemans, with Andrey Santos relegated to the bench.
The academy product delivered an outstanding performance and was arguably the standout player on the pitch. However, he was overshadowed in the Man of the Match voting by Bruno Fernandes, whose hat-trick stole the headlines.
Mainoo, now 21, has flourished since Carrick took charge midway through last season, enjoying a significant upturn in form after a difficult spell under former manager Ruben Amorim.
Butt tells Mainoo how to improve
Nicky Butt, former Manchester United coach and midfielder, worked with Mainoo in the academy set-up and has previously explained his admiration for the talent.
However, now the pundit is looking for Mainoo to add things to his game and has highlighted two areas in particular where he believes the midfielder needs to improve.
"I love Kobbie because of what we know about him, again, through the youth teams and his talent that he’s got,’ Butt told SPORTbible.
"He just doesn’t seem to be getting a chance of a big, long run. He did with Michael at the end of the season, towards the end, and quieted down people that were going against him a little bit, but I still think he needs to do more.
"He needs to contribute more goal scoring and he also needs to be able to get around the pitch a bit better. But I do think he should be playing at the start of this season."
Butt wide of the mark with Mainoo comments
Mainoo has scored eight goals since his first-team debut in January 2023, including some memorable strikes such as the FA Cup final winner against Manchester City and another late winner against Liverpool last season.
He has the ability to find spaces in and around the box with his quick feet, and getting on the scoresheet more often would help his overall game.
But the suggestion from Butt that Mainoo cannot get around the pitch well enough, an opinion shared by many, is one that doesn't really make sense in reality.
Mainoo showed in the game against Ipswich, as he did during the second half of last season, that he has the power necessary for the role. His lack of pace and ability to get around the midfield is starting to be overstated.
Still, the young star will be eager to continue proving people wrong and performing in the midfield at Old Trafford this season.
