Kobbie Mainoo set for new Man Utd role as club adopts PSG blueprint under Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick is reportedly set to hand Kobbie Mainoo a new role in Manchester United’s side next season after being inspired by Paris Saint-Germain trio Fabian Ruiz, João Neves and Vitinha.

Now that Carrick has been confirmed as United’s head coach, work has begun ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, which will see the club compete in four competitions – the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Despite the transfer window not opening until June 15, Brazilian midfielder Ederson has agreed to join the club on a four-year deal after United and Atalanta agreed a £35 million transfer fee.

It has been widely reported that United are looking to bolster both the quality and depth of their squad due to the increased fixture load next term.

The club are reportedly keen to add two midfielders, a left winger and a left-back, while also potentially bringing in a striker and a centre-back.

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But it is not only transfers that Carrick and United’s hierarchy are focusing on, with the Englishman also keen to alter the current squad’s style of play.

Despite winning 12 of the 17 matches he took charge of after succeeding Ruben Amorim, Carrick wants his side to dominate possession in a similar fashion to PSG’s midfield trio of Ruiz, Neves and Vitinha, who have been instrumental in the French club’s recent Champions League success.

Luis Enrique’s side currently operate in a 4-3-3 formation, while Carrick has largely favoured a 4-2-3-1 system, with captain Bruno Fernandes given licence to push forward and support the striker.

According to The Sun, Carrick wants to tweak Mainoo’s role, encouraging the England international to make more runs beyond opposition defences while maintaining his defensive responsibilities, in the hope of developing him into a more complete midfielder.

With the defensively minded Ederson likely to shoulder much of the defensive burden in midfield, he could provide the perfect foil for Mainoo to develop the attacking side of his game.

As previously mentioned, United are keen to sign another midfielder and could even add a second if Manuel Ugarte departs this summer.

Mason Mount is also expected to remain at Old Trafford despite making just two starts under Amorim – against Sunderland and Brighton – though he too may be required to operate in a deeper role.

Forward Joshua Zirkzee and goalkeeper Andre Onana are among those expected to leave.

Carrick praises Mainoo

After Mainoo penned a new five-year contract at United in April, Carrick claimed the young midfielder “epitomises” the football club and its philosophy of developing players through the academy.

“I’ve been hugely impressed with Kobbie since I’ve been here,” he said.

“I think I’ve known him for quite some time in different capacities, but I’ve certainly been aware of him for a long time. He epitomises this football club, you know? Young players coming through the Academy, who live and breathe the club and come through with real talent.

“He's shown what he can do and, in the last couple of games in particular, he’s been fantastic. The natural progression is to sign a new contract and everyone’s over the moon with that, including me, because I think he deserves it.”