Manchester United have started their Premier League season by beating a tough Fulham side 1-0 at Old Trafford on Friday. Joshua Zirkzee came on as a saviour for the Red Devils, combining with fellow substitute Alejandro Garnacho for the goal.
The intense game of English football involved the debut of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt alongside our goal scorer Zirkzee. Man United looked very different as manager Erik ten Hag opted to play captain Bruno Fernandes as a false nine.
The starting 11 also involved Amad Diallo and Mason Mount which surprised many in the fanbase as excitement grew bigger. However, one player who completely lived up to the excitement apart from Zirkzee was none other than midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
It is easy to forget Mainoo’s age due to the amount of time his name has dominated the media cycle. The England international continued to deliver as if he did not take any break in the summer with zero rustiness.
Mainoo featured for England in the Euro 2024, helping his national side reach the final after stabilizing their imbalanced midfield. The 19-year-old has established himself at both the club and international level in a short period since debuting.
Ten Hag called for Mainoo last November when his midfield struggled to maintain any control and the opposition exploited their vulnerability. The 19-year-old established himself quickly, playing as if he had unlimited experience at the senior level already.
Kobbie Mainoo vs. Fulham:
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 16, 2024
100% accurate long balls
100% tackles won
5 interceptions
6 recoveries
13 duels won
Back like he never left pic.twitter.com/x0sPOMEhVy
The Englishman will play a key role for the Red Devils this season and his performance against Fulham proves that. Mainoo dominated the midfield with 100% accurate longballs, 100% tackles won, five interceptions, six recoveries and 13 duels won.
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United are still in the market to find a strong number six to partner with Mainoo during the season. The Red Devils could see their youngster unleash himself alongside a midfield general who is more defensively dominant than the players United have right now.
