Manchester United just did enough to beat Brentford 2-1 and put themselves within touching distance of Champions League football.
The Bees were initially overwhelmed by a bombastic United but soon pinned their hosts back and were unlucky to come away with nothing.
The Red Devils showed grit and determination to hold out for a huge three points despite showing a porous defensive line, while the two players sitting in front of it turned in stellar performances.
Mainoo’s midfield masterclass
Casemiro’s goal and defensive work were sublime, but alongside him Kobbie Mainoo was the heartbeat of the side.
He kept the ball moving fantastically, and made 47 passes, the most of anyone in red. He attempted 55, giving a solid completion rate of 85%.
Mainoo managed one key pass, creating one big chance with a sublime run from deep to tee up Amad who fumbled his lines.
Unsurprisingly, he recorded 100% dribbling success, beating his man three times out of three – the best of anyone on the pitch.
Defensive duties
Mainoo’s defensive output is sometimes criticised but he gave a good account of himself tonight.
Only two players – Casemiro and Luke Shaw – made more than his four tackles, and only the Brazilian equalled his two interceptions.
On top of that the Englishman made two clearances and blocked one shot, while not being dribbled past once.
Only the mighty Casemiro had more successful ground duels than the seven won by Mainoo, who locked horns with an opponent ten times. He also won one of two aerial duels contested.
Kobbie Mainoo vs. Brentford
| Player | Kobbie Mainoo |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.33 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 0 (0) |
| Accurate passes | 47/55 (85%) |
| Passes in opposition half (acc.) | 18/21 (86%) |
| Passes in own half (acc.) | 29/34 (85%) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 1/4 (25%) |
| Total shots | 0 |
| Shots on target | 0 |
| Shots blocked | 0 |
| Touches | 74 |
| Unsuccessful touches | 1 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 3 (3) |
| Possession lost | 12 |
| Total carrying distance | 234.3 m |
| Carries | 22 |
| Progressive carries | 2 |
| Total progression | 110.3 m |
| Progressive carrying distance | 33.5 m |
| Longest progressive carry | 20.6 m |
| Def. contributions | 9 |
| Tackles (won) | 4 (4) |
| Interceptions | 2 |
| Clearances | 2 |
| Blocked shots | 1 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground duels (won) | 10 (7) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 2 (1) |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
Ruben Amorim routinely overlooked the 21-year-old but he has been a near-ever-present for Michael Carrick, and tonight was a reminder of just how good he can be.
Stats taken from sofascore.
Featured image Naomi Baker via Getty Images
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