The Next Big Thing: Academy Jewel Ready to Shine with Stunning Statistics
By defeating Olympique Lyon 1-0 on Wednesday in Edinburgh, Manchester United improved to 2-0.
Donny van de Beek scored the goal in the second half after Daniel Gore delivered an equally excellent ball from the right flank.
Manager Erik ten Hag fielded a number of academy graduates, as usual, and while most of them impressed, Kobbie Mainoo once again shone brightest.
Exquisite Mainoo
He was chosen as the defensive midfielder for the starting lineup for the first half, and he proved why the Dutch coach should support him rather than try to acquire Sofyan Amrabat through expensive recruitment.
The 18-year-old player concluded the game with an amazing pass completion rate of 94%, making 33 of 35 attempts to reach a teammate. He had 48 touches of the ball overall.
In addition to ending the game with one successful long ball out of two efforts, Mainoo attempted one dribble and successfully completed it.
Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Olympique Lyonnais:
94% pass accuracy
48 touches
2 blocks
2 interceptions
1/1 dribbles completedBright future. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/wzdnyulINH
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 19, 2023
In the middle of the field, he kept things straightforward and showed maturity above his years by successfully screening the defense and dropping back to offer another body while trying to play out from the back.
His ability to protect the space during transitions impressed me, as seen by the fact that he made two interceptions and only lost one of two ground battles.
The United academy product made two blocks in addition to having a score of 7, which placed him second among United players in the first half behind only Amad Diallo.
ETH has ambitions for Mainoo.
The first preseason game saw Mainoo perform well against Leeds, and his recent performances, combined with his accomplishments from last season, will undoubtedly impress the United manager.
Ten Hag prefers to use the player in the upcoming season rather than loaning him away, according to a report in The Peoples Person.
He was included in the pre-season tour roster, which indicates the manager has high regard for him.
It will be interesting to watch if Mainoo receives the necessary opportunities given the plans to hire Amrabat. If Ten Hag chooses him, he can definitely serve as an effective Casemiro constable.