Manchester United are back in action this weekend as they take on rivals Liverpool in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
19.03.2024 - 08:23 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former Manchester United academy coach Neil Wood believes Kobbie Mainoo will be analysing how he prevents spaces from opening up behind him following the victory over Liverpool on Sunday.
Mainoo has become undroppable for Erik ten Hag since returning from injury in November and has been a shining light in an otherwise difficult season for the Reds. All eyes were on the 18-year-old pre-match to see how he handled a big fixture at Old Trafford and he seemed to pass with flying colours.
After being substituted in the 80th minute, Mainoo received a handshake from Jurgen Klopp and a standing ovation from the home supporters. However, discussing the victory on The Coaches' Voice Wood, who coached Mainoo for a brief period before joining Salford City, believes the teenager will not be resting on his laurels.
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"He’s doing the role that he is being asked to do and I think you see a young player who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, has good passing range, can dribble and manipulate the ball very well and has a real nice passing range and high-level technical ability so that is what he is standing out on," Wood explained. "As every game goes on, he is probably learning more and seeing more pitches.
"I am sure he is evaluating the games and like we have been saying he is probably not happy with the spaces he is leaving behind and getting done on the transition so I am sure he will be wary and watching that because he is quite a studious individual anyway. Erik ten Hag is really trusting him and it is up to him now to keep himself in the team."
Mainoo was called up to the England U21s this past week and
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