Kobbie Mainoo, a 19-year-old English midfielder, found himself in a difficult situation during the 2022 World Cup. Despite being part of England's squad, he did not play a single minute in the tournament and was not even used as a substitute until the semi-final against Argentina. The Football Association later stated that he was not selected for the third-place playoff against France due to an unspecified injury. The experience was both physically and mentally taxing for Mainoo, who returned to Manchester United later than usual for pre-season training after the World Cup. Upon his return, Mainoo faced scrutiny from fans and media, as he had not played regularly for the club in the friendly matches leading up to the season. However, he has since regained his form, showing strong performances in recent games for United. He has been a key player in matches against Ipswich, Everton, and Sabah in the Champions League, demonstrating his ability to control the midfield and contribute defensively. Mainoo's performances have been marked by his composure on the ball and his ability to make quick decisions. In the past three games, he has attempted 211 passes, completing 201 of them, showing his confidence in possession. He has also made significant defensive contributions, with a high number of tackles and interceptions. His technical skills, including quick feet and clever feints, have helped United maintain control of games and create attacking opportunities. Mainoo's first Premier League start under manager Michael Carrick came in January against Manchester City, a match that proved pivotal for both Carrick and Mainoo. The game ended in a 2-0 victory for United, helping them secure a third-place finish in the league. This performance convinced former manager Thomas Tuchel to include Mainoo in the World Cup squad, despite his lack of playing time in the tournament. Carrick has been working to reshape United's midfield with new signings such as Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos, and Carlos Baleba. Although Baleba is currently injured, Tielemans is expected to play a key role in the upcoming derby against Manchester City. Carrick has emphasized the importance of playing through the middle, focusing on precise passing and timing. The derby will see Mainoo face off against Elliot Anderson, a £116 million signing from Nottingham Forest. Carrick's strategy is to maintain a deep-sitting tempo-setter role, leveraging the technical skills of his new players. This match will be crucial in determining the early-season momentum for Manchester United.