Kobbie Mainoo is firmly one of Michael Carrick's ‘undroppables' alongside three more Man Utd teammates

Kobbie Mainoo has shown his value to Michael Carrick alongside three other key first-team Manchester United stars after the opening matches of this season. Manchester United have endured a mixed start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign after Michael Carrick has overseen one win, one draw and one defeat. The Red Devils suffered a shock defeat to Hull City before United bounced back against Ipswich Town, but the Red Devils recently dropped points to Everton. United In Focus have now looked at United first-team players who currently mirror Kobbie Mainoo with the 'undroppable status' in the Premier League season so far. READ MORE: Man Utd fans react to Marcus Rashford's performance vs Everton as Matheus Cunha comparison is inseparable Another TOP performance from Kobbie Mainoo! What did you like most about it? Did Michael Carrick make a mistake by taking him off? Getty Images 1. Kobbie Mainoo It is probably best to start with the man of the hour himself after Kobbie Mainoo has looked to be in his element for Manchester United during the current season. Mainoo did not play a single minute at the World Cup in the summer under Thomas Tuchel and returned from England international duty with a minor injury. More United News However, the 21-year-old Stockport-born talent has been in his best form for Man Utd's opening three Premier League matches of the 2026-27 campaign. Mainoo produced a strong showing against Hull City after he climbed off the bench and was in the United midfield after starting against Ipswich Town and Everton. READ MORE: Man Utd fans cannot excuse Senne Lammens' biggest 'rookie' moment outside of shaky display against Everton Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images 2. Marcus Rashford It could hardly have been on the bingo card for many United fans that Marcus Rashford would become a regular starter for the Red Devils again. With two Premier League starts in three appearances for United this season, Marcus Rashford looks hungry to prove a point in his second chance at the club. While he has not scored or assisted so far, there is no denying that the 28-year-old England international has been a lively presence in the attacking threat so far. Michael Carrick knows exactly how to push the buttons of his former Man Utd teammate and Rashford is letting his work rate do the talking with his performances. READ MORE: Senne Lammens ditched his most important asset against Everton, despite its previous impact for Man Utd 3. Bruno Fernandes Bruno Fernandes' status as Man Utd captain already makes it difficult for him not to be an 'undroppable' for Red Devils boss Carrick in the 2026-27 campaign so far. Fernandes was unlucky to be denied by the woodwork in United's 2-2 draw against Everton after his strong showing against Ipswich at Old Trafford last month. Just when Fernandes struggled to make his mark for United in the Hull City defeat, the 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder turned his performance up a notch. Fernandes netted a show-stealing hat-trick in Man Utd's 5-2 win over Ipswich and set up Bryan Mbeumo with an assist in the Premier League match. READ MORE: I think Michael Carrick's tactical positions of three Man Utd players vs Everton show where the blame lies What are your early thoughts on United right now? Is there a KEY change Carrick needs to make? What is it? Or does the team just need consistent selection, for the players to play themselves into form? Getty Images 4. Bryan Mbeumo Bryan Mbeumo has been playing back out on the right wing after Amad Diallo's absence due to injury and Matheus Cunha being deployed centrally for United. The 27-year-old Cameroon international had a strong pre-season for United by leading the frontline and Mbeumo has already scored twice in his first three matches this season. While it does feel that Mbeumo could be a bit more consistent with converting his chances, the former Brentford star is still finding the back of the net for United. Mbeumo showed his influence for the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon as well after he broke the deadlock for United against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.