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Manchester United managed to carry on for a 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday regardless of being on the again foot for almost all of the match.
A welcome outcome following a bitter last-minute 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, Man United made essentially the most of their few goalscoring alternatives to disclaim the guests three factors.
With solely 9 pictures, all of which got here within the second half, in comparison with Liverpool’s 28, United defied the chances by avoiding defeat. One of many core elements of United’s assault on the day was teenage expertise Kobbie Mainoo.
Regardless of solely having 36 touches all through the match, Mainoo made the a lot of the little possession he had.
The central midfielder accomplished 14 of his 18 passes, leading to a 78% passing accuracy. His passing recreation remained grounded, nevertheless, with the England worldwide not making a single cross nor lengthy go.
Finishing two of his three tried dribbles, Mainoo confirmed nice high quality on the ball in addition to physicality. He gained eight of his 11 duels, with every of his successes coming from floor duels.
When dropping again into defence, Mainoo proved simply what a wonderful further layer of defence he can present, making 5 tackles together with an interception whereas additionally blocking two pictures.
Nonetheless, except for his sturdy midfield and defensive performances, Mainoo additionally proved how scientific he might be on the offensive, thereby proving himself to be a holistic midfielder.
Within the 67th minute, Mainoo took his solely shot of the match. After receiving the ball from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, standing on the sting of the field, managed the ball earlier than curling it into the highest proper nook on the far submit, sending United right into a 2-1 lead.
Though Liverpool managed to equalise, United wouldn’t have managed to get a outcome had it not been for Mainoo’s ingenuity.
That is very true given how a lot the guests dictated the run of play, significantly within the first half when United couldn’t even get a shot on purpose.
With a stellar defensive, midfield and attacking efficiency, Mainoo confirmed simply how rounded a participant he’s. United will do properly to fastidiously nurture him as he shortly emerges as a key participant within the coronary heart of the midfield.
(Stats by way of Sofascore)
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