Kobbie Mainoo: Stats vs Brentford show why World Cup starting spot is inevitable for Manchester United star
Kobbie Mainoo put in yet another magnificent performance for Manchester United on Monday as they beat Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The midfielder has returned to the starting XI and to form under Michael Carrick after previously struggling for minutes under Ruben Amorim.
Against Brentford, he put in another impressive performance and Man United were showed off their impressive counter-attacking abilities.
With Champions League qualification now all but secured, many of United’s players will now have one eye on the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
However, not only will Mainoo be hoping to make it to the tournament, but after his wonderful performance vs Brentford, he has shown Thomas Tuchel why he should be starting.
Kobbie Mainoo was fantastic vs Brentford
Starting next to Casemiro, Mainoo was one of the stars of the show at Old Trafford.
The England international somehow did not pick up an assist early on after delivering the ball to Amad Diallo after a wonderful run, but the winger was unable to convert the chance.
| Kobbie Mainoo's stats vs Brentford | |
| Minutes | 90 |
| Passing completion | 85% |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Dribbles completed | 100% |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
From here, he continued to be a menace both offensively and defensively as they saw out the win.
According to Fotmob on 27 April, Mainoo completed 85 per cent of his passes, created one big chance, completed all of his attempted dribbles, performed two tackles and made five recoveries.
There has been plenty of debate going into the World Cup about who will partner Declan Rice in midfield, and based on his Brentford display, it has to be Mainoo.
When will Mainoo sign a new Man United contract?
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider that he thinks Mainoo’s new Man United contract is “done”.
With his current deal set to expire next year, nerves have grown among the Old Trafford faithful if their starlet will put pen to paper.
Things looked doubtful earlier this season when he was frozen out of the team by Amorim until the manager was sacked.
However, after fighting his way back into the England squad, Mainoo has been backed to have a long-term future at the Red Devils, and based on his recent displays, there is no reason why he can’t be a key player for years to come.