Former Manchester United defender John O’Shea has picked one player he thinks could be the key man against Liverpool on Sunday.
This weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool in what is a must-win FA Cup game. Given how the season so far has gone, the FA Cup is probably the only chance United have to salvage something from this campaign.
Erik ten Hag is expected to rely on the youth in this game as he has for much of this campaign as Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and Kobbie Mainoo have all emerged as pivotal players.
Now one of these three has been tipped to play a main role this weekend against Liverpool.
Speaking to the club’s official website, former United defender John O’Shea has praised the club for continuing the tradition of playing youth players.
“We’re still giving chances to a few younger players this season too, and obviously, in particular, Kobbie Mainoo.”
O’Shea then continued to pick the player he sees as being crucial to United’s chances this weekend.
“He’s been the main man and hopefully, he will be the main man against Liverpool on the day as well.”
Manchester United need Mainoo on top form
In recent weeks, Mainoo’s incredible form has slowed slightly as he’s been moved away from the position he was thriving in.
Ten Hag has seen Mainoo on the ball less than Casemiro which shouldn’t be the case with the 18-year-old Englishman a far more dangerous passer who could help United dominate games better and actually keep some possession.
With Casemiro’s struggles on the ball highlighted further last weekend against Everton, Mainoo needs to be placed in the number six position where he can get on the ball and dictate play.
This could also benefit United in counter-attacking transitions as Mainoo would be better suited to getting the ball quicker to the Marcus Rashford, Hojlund and Garnacho trio running forward.
Mainoo playing deeper is also a benefit to the defence as it’d lessen the burden of them on the ball, as without Lisandro Martinez, progressive passing is a struggle.
