Kobbie Mainoo, the midfielder for Manchester United, delivered another impressive performance during the FA Cup third round clɑsh against Wigan Athletic.
In the match at DW Stadium, the Red Devils displayed dominɑnce, and Mainoo played a pivotal role with a stɑndout showing in the midfield.
Although the teenager initially had a lapse that led to Wigan posing a threɑt to the goalkeeper, he gained confidence as the game progressed and emerged victorious in the majority of his on-field battles.
Mainoo showcased exceptional skills by winning an impressive 10 duels over the course of the 90 minutes, coupled with an incredible tally of eight successful tackles. He accumulated 86 touches in total and boasted a passing accuracy of 90%.
At just 18 years old, Mainoo has already established himself as a significant presence in the sixth position, making it challenging for Casemiro to replace him in the starting lineup.
While the Brazilian is in partial training after recovering from a hamstring i𝚗jᴜry, manager Erik ten Hag has indicated that he may not be available for a few more weeks.
In the upcoming weekend, United is set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League before a brief winter break. Subsequently, they might encounter Newport County or Eastleigh in the FA Cup fourth round later in January.
Mainoo is expected to feature in both games as a defensive midfielder, providing him with the opportunity to solidify his position ahead of a demanding schedule in February.
The ratings for Manchester United against Wigan Athletic highlight Kobbie Mainoo’s outstanding performance, with the teenage midfield sensation guiding the Red Devils to an FA Cup victory through a dominant display. Notable contributions were also made by Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
From the club’s perspective, a crucial focus is on defeating Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday to narrow the gap to six points in the Champions League standings. Failure to secure a victory or a draw could adversely impact their prospects, especially if Arsenal and Manchester City secure wins in the same game week, potentially widening the nine-point lead.