SecondRick ten Hag has warned that playing for Manchester United isn’t for everyone – and it’s a poisonous chalice because of the extra pressure. Hundreds of millions of pounds worth of talent have failed to rise to the challenge over the past decade, but their own Kobbie Mainoo is taking it on.
This is Ten Hag’s first visit to a Football League club since arriving at Manchester United. There are more unpopular stadiums than DW Stadium, although few can claim to be as cold as DW Stadium. The issues causing United’s instability often have to do with the team’s mentality, as they struggle to win consecutive games. For a team in transition, heading to a mid-table third tier and trying desperately to upset a very fragile team isn’t the most appealing of encounters. It was a cool-headed night and the temperature helped too.
Any Premier League team should be able to travel to Wigan and win. They have only lost once in 19 games to La Liga, thanks to a goal from current manager Sean Maloney, since Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford shocked Old Trafford in 2010 Since Germany, they have not lost to a lower-level opponent in the FA Cup during normal time. Fear cannot enter the night.
Being an 18-year-old football player is difficult at the best of times. Every United performance is scrutinized in microscopic detail, especially when things aren’t going well. Mainoo, from nearby Stockport, came of age as United fell from consistent title challengers to struggling to stay in the top six. He knows the heights United want to reach.
Many teenagers would be intimidated knowing they were joining a team with holes in the midfield, but Mainu quickly settled into his role. Against Wigan, he was the deepest of the three midfielders behind Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes, two players who had played in the Premier League against Everton. Started side by side in their debut. That trip to Goodison Park was arguably United’s most complete game of the season as they left the Toffees in the cauldron and fans were left furious with the club being deducted 10 points .
Manu often appears between United’s two experienced centre-backs, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans, dropping deep to receive the ball. He craves possession of the ball because he knows he has the ability to attack by breaking through defences.
Taking up space in front of Varane and Evans isn’t a bad thing either, as they know exactly where the defensive midfielders should be to help provide them with the protection they need, which is often lacking, even with Kace The same is true when Milo is on the side. Martial Gordo put United in trouble when he led a one-man counterattack. The winger made his way into the box, unsettling the away fans, but Manu tracked him all the way and blocked the ball well without getting in.
Team-mates from across the pitch must help Mainu settle, adjust and learn from his mistakes as the role he plays is vital to United. He just needs to see what Rodri has done for City and how much he has been missed in his absence. Fernandes was quick to chat up Mainu after Diogo Dalot’s opener and explained what else he wanted from him. He was then passed on to the Ten Witches for further encouragement and encouragement.
Without the Champions League, the League and the FA Cup are the two remaining things. They will play fewer games than their opponents, reducing the rotation of the Ten Witches and building an XI that can take the club forward on top of their summer signings. The bench is filled with young players, with all seven outfield players coming through the club’s academy, which points to the limitations of United’s current squad. Mainoo’s seamless transition in difficult circumstances will give hope to those off the bench that they can take advantage of any opportunity that arises.
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Ten Witches may stumble upon an effective midfield trio. Manu provides stability, McTominay provides physicality and energy going forward, while Fernandes provides guile with the ball at his feet. They complement each other perfectly. Mainoo, 12 games into his career and learning fast, came close to scoring his first career goal when his low shot from the edge of the area was expertly blocked by Sam Tickle. This shows that he knows how to work in more advanced fields and has played a huge role in his youth career.
As was required, United dominated. Their only problem was their inability to convert chances but everything between the boxes worked, with Dalot pushing into space, Marcus Rashford grabbing the byline and Fernandes creating chances. Mainu provided security, leaving others free to cause trouble for Wigan as they were unable to cope with the campaign.
On a night where Mainu’s youthful fearlessness set the tone, United showed no fear as they beat inferior opponents. Playing without panic could be the key to recovery in the second half of the season.
