Kobbie Mainoo was key to Manchester United’s game plan in their 2-1 victory over Brentford at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick stuck with his trusted partnership of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield for Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Brentford.
Just before kick-off, Mainoo expressed his confidence after having his season revitalised under Carrick, and it was evident in his performance.
Mainoo was one of United’s best players on the night, and his comments before the match proved that he did his homework on Monday’s opposition.
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Kobbie Mainoo explains how Man Utd prepared for Brentford
Before the match, Mainoo praised Brentford as a team and pointed out some of their biggest strengths.
“They’re a good side. Direct, physical. We’ve worked on it a lot during the week, and we’re ready,” Mainoo said.
United lost 3-1 to Brentford in the reverse fixture this season, and the Red Devils were truly outmatched physically.
This time, though, Mainoo and his teammates were ready for Brentford’s physical challenge. In fact, United opened the scoring through a Casemiro header from a corner.
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Carrick got his tactics right against Brentford, and it helped United grind out an important three points.
After United found themselves two goals up at half-time, Carrick reinforced his back line by bringing on Noussair Mazraoui in place of Amad Diallo.
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Dropping to a back five helped United to handle Brentford’s physical threat, allowing Harry Maguire to man-mark striker Igor Thiago in the box.
Brentford did end up finding the back of the net, but they did so through a wonder goal from range.
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