8 recoveries, 6 final-third passes: Utd were catastrophic, but one Red can hold his head high | OneFootball

As has so often been the case over the last 12 months, Kobbie Mainoo is one of Manchester United fans’ only sources of optimism.

The arrival of Manuel Ugarte in the summer has allowed Mainoo to be granted more frequent rests here and there this season, which has undoubtedly been deserved given how quickly he broke onto the scene and nailed down a starting role last season.

Prior to an injury setback he sustained in October, the 19-year-old had started every Premier League game in the opening seven matches. He was also on the back of playing an integral role in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, prompting concerns from the fanbase that he’d been overplayed by Erik ten Hag.

Mainoo was hugely impactful after coming on

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, Mainoo began last night’s clash with Newcastle United by watching on from the bench before he was surprisingly called upon to replace the aggrieved Joshua Zirkzee just 33 minutes into the affair – with the Reds trailing 2-0.

United had been absolutely played off the park in the first half an hour, and while they were able to steady the ship somewhat later in the contest, they were ultimately incapable when it came to finding a breakthrough and troubling Martin Dubravka.

Unlike the rest of his teammates, Mainoo could hold his head high when the full-time whistle blew. He won 100 per cent of his aerial duels, had a 96 per cent passing accuracy and recorded eight ball recoveries and seven defensive actions.

The midfield starlet also made six passes into the final third, created one chance and registered a block, according to StatmanDave.

Next up for United is a trip to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.