Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson were named in the starting line-up for England by Thomas Tuchel, giving Manchester United a glimpse of the ideal midfield pairing next season.
England played at Wembley for the final time before this summer’s World Cup, and it was a night to forget as Japan scored a famous victory.
But it was a good night for Manchester United, as this summer’s key midfield target Elliot Anderson started alongside current Red Devils midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
After watching the duo in midfield together for 71 minutes, there was plenty to like, but also concerns about the pair as a starting partnership.
IF Elliot Anderson signs for Man City, who would be your TOP PRIORITY midfield alternative?
Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson are balanced but very safe in midfield
England were toothless in defeat to Japan, with the issue being the front four not offering any threat at all.
But behind them, Mainoo will be happy with his performance as he dictated play nicely while contributing defensively. Anderson played a similar role, albeit more combative and getting on the ball more.
The partnership had no problem progressing play, controlling possession, or defending, taking it in turns as one stayed when the other moved up when England were on the ball.
However, the concern comes with both playing it way too safe, happy to play sideways passes too often, and placing an over-reliance on the front four.
Combined, the pair completed 194 passes, with only one being considered key as it led directly to a dangerous attack.
United have had this issue with the passing in the current midfield with Casemiro. So a big summer signing would need to improve the creativity from midfield and not be afraid to play a ball through the lines or over the top.
Much of this may be down to Tuchel’s instructions, but it will be food for thought within the Ineos boardroom as they deliberate over Anderson being the ideal signing.
Compatibility with Mainoo will be key, and if this issue can be overcame then it was otherwise a strong pairing.
How would YOU rate the performances of Man Utd’s midfielders in 2025/26 so far?
Sorry Mason, you need to be available more…
How Kobbie Mainoo performed for England vs Japan
One thing a Mainoo and Anderson midfield would give United is balance. But individually, United’s number 37 enjoyed a strong outing that will have surely made a point that he should be included in the World Cup squad.
- 71 Minutes played
- 97 Touches
- 83/88 Passes completed
- 2/2 Dribbles completed
- 5 Defensive contributions
- 2/2 Tackles won
- 3 Clearances
- 9 Recoveries
- 4/5 Ground duels won
- 2/3 Aerial duels won
Whether this is enough to earn his spot on the plane to America this summer remains to be seen, but the 20-year-old has made a really good account of himself, proving he is a reliable player to put in midfield if the objective is to dominate a match.
It will also have shown United that he can partner with the number one Ineos target for the summer, albeit with some kinks to work out, but given the quality, much of this will be on how the manager deploys the duo.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
