94% passing, 8 duels won: 95-touch Man Utd star had his best game this season, he's undroppable under Carrick
Manchester United secured a fourth-straight Premier League win after a convincing 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils went into the game as slight favourites despite Spurs’ fine record against them. The north London side were unbeaten in the last eight meetings.
Cristian Romero’s early sending off put United in the front seat. Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring with a bit of fortune, but it was a well-deserved lead at the break.
United put the game beyond Spurs’ sights with a second goal in the 81st minute. Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes scored from a fine across from Diogo Dalot.
Fernandes should have had an assist too, but Benjamin Sesko squandered a big chance right at the end.
The Portuguese was handed the man of the match, but in our opinion, midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was equally good and could have secured the accolade on another day.
The Englishman was largely out of favour under former head coach Ruben Amorim, who did not hand him a single Premier League start during the first half of the season.
Mainoo was immediately reinstated into the starting XI alongside Casemiro in midfield after Michael Carrick took interim charge. He has been a revelation during the winning run.
Against Spurs, the Red Devils graduate had 95 touches, completing 94 percent of his passes (75/80). He also won eight duels on the day, with four recoveries and two fouls won.
Carrick has vastly preferred an unchanged starting line-up since his appointment, barring injuries.
Mainoo has become an undisputed starter in the centre of the park alongside Casemiro due to his performances, and we can definitely say he is undroppable at the moment.
The 20-year-old had his best game of the campaign against Thomas Frank’s side.
The Red Devils are currently fourth in the standings with 44 points, one ahead of Chelsea and five in front of Liverpool, who have a game in hand against Manchester City later today.
United have the opportunity to secure a fifth straight victory when they face West Ham United away on Tuesday night. They can temporarily move to third if they beat the Hammers.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .