Michael Carrick could give Luis Enrique the perfect gift at Manchester United

Michael Carrick could solve a potential problem for Luis Enrique if the PSG manager is snapped up by Manchester United in the summer. Carrick will remain in charge until the end of the season, at which point a permanent successor will be sought. Several names have already been linked with the upcoming vacancy at Old Trafford and Enrique is among them.

It's been reported that United have identified the Spaniard as a key candidate in their search for a new permanent boss. He boasts plenty of pedigree, having been successful at Barcelona before leading PSG to their maiden Champions League triumph last season. His habit of winning aligns with what the Red Devils are looking for in their next manager, making him a standout choice.

Enrique will enter the final year of his contract with PSG in the summer and is yet to agree fresh terms. If that stays unchanged between now and the end of the season, the Red Devils would not have to pay a hefty compensation fee to secure his services.

One thing that could work in United's favour is that Carrick appears to have fixed a potential issue for Enrique in advance of a possible summer switch.

It involves Kobbie Mainoo, who has enjoyed a new lease of life since Ruben Amorim was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

The midfielder endured a difficult first half of the campaign under United's former boss, who denied him a single Premier League start. He was also unhappy in the summer and asked to leave the club on loan, but saw his request turned down.

Mainoo's situation led to rumours of a potential January exit, with Napoli thought to be among the interested parties. However, his fortunes have drastically improved since Amorim was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

He has been brought back into the fold by Carrick and it's been reported that he is now expected to stay at United, with the issue of game time no longer a problem.

That will be music to the ears of Enrique if he is thinking about a potential summer move to Old Trafford. Mainoo is exactly the type of technical midfielder that would thrive under the 55-year-old's guidance next season.

He could be a real project player for Enrique to build a new-look United team around, given his young age and high potential for future development.

It remains to be seen if the Red Devils will end up poaching the PSG manager when the season draws to a close, with plenty of time for things to change between now and then.

However, the fact that Carrick has managed to solve the Mainoo issue can only be a good thing when it comes to United's hopes of landing Enrique.