Kobbie Mainoo was Man United’s metronome vs. Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Manchester United huffed and puffed and eventually blew Crystal Palace down, coming from behind to win 2-1 at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils moved into third place in the Premier League thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko, starting for the first time under Michael Carrick.

Mainoo metronome

United’s defence looked disorganised and their attack impressed in fits and starts but, in between, the double pivot of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo worked hard and was key to the victory.

Both players won four tackles, more than anyone else in red, but it was Mainoo who impressed the most on the ball.

The 20-year-old found his man with 63 of his 70 attempted passes, producing an outstanding accuracy rate of 90%.

It was an unobtrusive showing, but one which kept play moving – Mainoo took 85 touches as he bucked the trend of general wastefulness in possession.

Deep-lying playmaker

Operating from deep, Mainoo made two key passes and was accurate with one of his two attempted crosses, and one of his two attempted long balls.

He was rarely a goal threat, taking only one shot which went off target, and did not complete either of his attempted dribbles.

Mainoo won half of the duels he contested, coming out on top six times from 12. This breaks down as four successful ground duels from nine, and two aerial victories from three.

He made one foul and lost possession 15 times.

Kobbie Mainoo vs. Crystal Palace

Mainoo has been an ever-present in Carrick’s midfield and it would be a huge surprise if he is rotated out of the starting lineup for Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle.

Stats taken from sofascore.

Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images

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