Kobbie Mainoo breaks social media silence with Man United message after derby day win

Kobbie Mainoo posted on social media for the first time since October after his standout performance in Manchester United's victory over Manchester City

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo shared a photograph of himself alongside Michael Carrick following his impressive performance in the triumph over Manchester City.

The homegrown talent lined up next to Casemiro against Pep Guardiola's team, despite limited game time this campaign. Under recently-dismissed manager Ruben Amorim, Mainoo failed to start a single Premier League fixture, with the Portuguese tactician suggesting the 20-year-old was in direct competition with Bruno Fernandes.

He completed the entire 90 minutes against the Cityzens in what represented a significant vote of confidence from newly-installed interim boss Carrick. Following the encounter, Mainoo shared his first United-related social media update since October.

The midfielder posted an image of himself topless, making his way through the Old Trafford tunnel accompanied by Carrick and Mason Mount. His caption read: "Believe that."

Carrick's faith arrives at a crucial juncture for the youngster. During Amorim's tenure, Mainoo's prospects appeared destined to lie elsewhere, with clubs such as Chelsea reportedly showing interest.

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After recognising starting opportunities would be scarce under the former Sporting Lisbon manager, he asked to go out on loan last summer, a request which was promptly rejected by the Red Devils. However, his composed performance at Old Trafford indicates he'll remain in the starting line-up for the foreseeable future.

This will prove vital for Mainoo's aspirations of securing a place in Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of the World Cup. He hasn't represented his country since the 2-0 away win against Ireland in the Nations League, when Lee Carsley served as interim manager.

Tuchel has yet to select the United academy product since assuming control of the Three Lions. Following the fixture, an impressed Carrick, whilst also commending Harry Maguire, said: "I thought Kobbie was great alongside Casa.

"Between the two of them, I thought it gave us a foundation, really, Licha and Harry and the kind of block, and I thought it gave us a really strong foundation.

"I felt it was a game for experience and knowing what it feels like. It was a big ask of H and credit to him. I think we take it for granted sometimes what players do, for him to play today and come through it.

"It was a bit of a calculated gamble as well as how long he could play and whether he could get through it because he's literally trained for two or three days for the last eight weeks or nine weeks.

"It just shows you what it means really to him and I thought he was fantastic. I thought between him and Licha, they were so solid at the back and gave us the foundation to build up."