Carrick activated Manchester United's new star in just three days, but reminds him that growth is still needed! Rashford might save money by buying fewer midfielders.

The 20-year-old Cody Menoe is undoubtedly the biggest beneficiary of Manchester United’s managerial change. If Ruben Amorim were still in charge, he would have had no chance to start against Manchester City and might even have been seeking a transfer. However, after Carrick took over, he returned to the starting lineup for major matches and performed impressively.

Carrick explained his decision to use Menoe in the Manchester derby: “Cody is an incredible player with immense talent and great ability. He has participated in some important games and handles them with ease. I look forward to seeing him flourish.”

The Red Devils’ manager added further: “Cody performed excellently alongside Casemiro; together they have built a solid foundation for the team, along with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire. I felt this was a match where experience and game understanding were crucial. Seeing if Cody can pass this test is a calculated risk.”

After the game, Carrick and Menoe warmly embraced each other. Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the stands was likely pleased to witness this, as he might not need to consider selling this academy midfielder. If Menoe maintains his momentum against Manchester City, the club could even save money by avoiding new signings.

Data shows Menoe completed 31 passes with a 91% accuracy rate, along with 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 2 ball recoveries. His most impressive moment was dribbling past Manchester City's winger Semenyo in midfield. After the match, the England international appeared very happy, as he now has a chance to stay at Manchester United and fight for a spot in the England squad for the World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Since Tuchel took over, he has not been called up to the national team.

Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation was never suitable for Menoe, who is more of an enhancing midfielder, similar to Pogba. If the team’s midfield is balanced in attack and defense, the composed Menoe can elevate the overall performance. But if he is required to run frantically and press intensely to maintain formation balance, he will struggle. A two-man midfield with Menoe and captain Bruno Fernandes would be disastrous, so Amorim used Menoe as a backup for Bruno.

Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 formation adds an extra central midfielder, allowing Menoe and Bruno Fernandes to coexist. When discussing Menoe, Carrick clearly stated: “I see him more as an attacking player rather than a controlling midfielder. Therefore, he probably needs a bit more freedom.”

British media revealed that during this week’s training, Carrick emphasized to Menoe that he is an exceptionally gifted player, but reminded him that he must continue to develop. In training, the former midfielder frequently pulled Menoe aside to clearly teach him how to improve his decision-making on the pitch.

Beyond improvements on the field, Menoe also needs to address off-field matters, such as lowering his contract renewal demands. The academy’s new star’s current contract runs until 2027, with the club holding a one-year extension option. Renewal negotiations have stalled for over a year because Menoe’s agent is demanding a high weekly wage of £200,000.

Menoe must understand that if he continues to perform well, achieving such a salary is possible eventually, but he has not reached that level yet. Jumping straight from £50,000 to £200,000 per week is simply unrealistic at this stage.

After the derby, Menoe posted on social media for the first time since October with content related to Manchester United. “Believe that,” he wrote under a photo of himself walking alongside Carrick and Mason Mount in the players’ tunnel.