Declan Rice sceptical of Kobbie Mainoo’s off‑the‑ball productivity

Declan Rice is sceptical about Kobbie Mainoo’s productivity off the ball as the Manchester United youngster aims to win a starting spot alongside the Arsenal midfielder in England’s World Cup midfield. United boss Michael Carrick is planning a midfield overhaul to unlock Mainoo’s attacking potential next season.

Mainoo has taken on deeper defensive responsibilities and emerged as an important attacking option, but occasional defensive lapses remain a talking point. Carrick singled out the youngster’s gritty, defensive display in a 1-0 win at Chelsea as the season’s standout showing, even though United managed only one shot on target in that game.

To raise standards, Carrick has looked to Paris Saint‑Germain’s recent Champions League midfield as a benchmark, while keeping his preferred 4-2-3-1 system and Bruno Fernandes as the primary playmaker behind the striker.

England, Manchester

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