91% passing, 100% tackles, 5 recoveries: 70-touch Man Utd star proves he is undroppable after win vs Chelsea
Manchester United secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Red Devils went into the game without four of their main centre-backs. Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were unavailable for selection.
Despite this, they delivered a solid defensive performance on the road. Noussair Mazraoui was hugely impressive as a makeshift centre-back alongside teenager Ayden Heaven last night.
Kobbie Mainoo also made his return to the starting line-up after missing the 2-1 league defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford on Monday with a minor injury sustained in training.
The Englishman showed no rustiness alongside Casemiro in the heart of the midfield, and he was probably the second-best player on the pitch after captain Bruno Fernandes.
The 20-year-old completed 91 percent of his passes. He was also fantastic defensively in west London, completing 100 percent tackles (3/3), winning three duels and making five recoveries.
The midfielder had 70 touches in the game and lost possession on just eight occasions.
Mainoo was completely out of contention for a starting spot under former manager Ruben Amorim, but his fortunes have completely transformed under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Amorim questioned Mainoo’s defensive contributions during his managerial tenure, but the midfielder has answered the criticism with several standout performances under Carrick so far.
The United graduate has undoubtedly become undroppable with his consistent displays in the last few months, and he looks poised to make the England squad for the World Cup this summer.
United’s win over the Blues sees them on 58 points after 33 matches played. They are 10 points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea and clear-cut favourites to qualify for the Champions League.
The onus should be on ending the campaign on a high note. A third-place finish with 70 or more points would represent a successful season on the back of their struggles under Amorim.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .