As stated by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United academy product, Kobbie Mainoo, continued to impress with his strong performances during the pre-season match against Arsenal at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The 18-year-old had previously delivered excellent displays against Leeds United and Lyon, and his consistent form earned him a spot in the starting lineup for the recent game against Arsenal.
Against the Gunners, the young talent showcased his versatility by starting in the number six role but impressively showcasing his skills from the right flank.
He displayed excellent defensive abilities, winning all of his ground duels. Mainoo’s passing accuracy was exceptional, completing 23 out of 24 passes with a 96 per cent success rate.
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Notably, he provided the assist for Bruno Fernandes’ goal during a counter-attack. Despite being substituted at half-time with the rest of the outfield players, Mainoo’s performance made a significant impact and served as a strong statement of his potential and abilities.
United’s focus on acquiring a second midfielder this summer has sparked discussions about potential candidates for the defensive midfield position.
Sofyan Amrabat has been linked as a target, but he seems more interested in a move to La Liga, with both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid showing interest.
Amidst these speculations, Mainoo’s impressive performances have caught the attention of manager Erik ten Hag. The young talent has shown versatility, shining in various midfield roles.
He could grab a vital spot in the team if he continues to display top performances against teams like Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Ten Hag has displayed trust in Mainoo’s abilities and has opted against sending him out on loan.
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This decision indicates that the young star could potentially become a key member of the first-team squad, offering valuable depth to positions like defensive midfield, creative midfield, and beyond.
Mainoo’s strength lies in his ability to play in multiple midfield positions, making him a valuable asset who could serve as an understudy to players like Casemiro, Mason Mount, and Fernandes.
With such potential, the defensive midfielder could be granted significant playing time, further solidifying his position within the squad.
