Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-08 13:06:55
In the recent match between Manchester United and Liverpool, Kobbie Mainoo expressed the need for his team to improve on their ability to “see out games” after they were held to a dramatic draw against their arch-rivals. The game saw Luis Diaz opening the scoring for Liverpool at Old Trafford, followed by an impressive goal from Bruno Fernandes from 45 yards to bring United level. Mainoo then scored his first senior goal at Old Trafford in the 67th minute to give his team the lead, only for Mohamed Salah’s late penalty to secure a 2-2 draw for Liverpool.
Speaking about his goal, the 18-year-old United academy graduate shared his excitement, calling it “unbelievable” to score his first goal at such a prestigious venue. However, he also expressed his disappointment at not being able to secure all three points for his team. This draw marked the third occasion in nine days that United had surrendered a lead, following a draw with Brentford and a defeat against Chelsea where they were ahead until stoppage time.
Despite the frustration of failing to see out games, Mainoo highlighted the positives from the match against Liverpool. He noted that the team showed improvement in the second half and emphasized the importance of securing points by effectively closing out games. According to him, this aspect will be crucial in helping United climb higher in the table and secure victories in the future.
Mainoo’s goal against Liverpool was the latest highlight in his impressive breakthrough season. Having made his first Premier League start after recovering from ankle ligament damage, he has since earned a full England debut and delivered standout performances, including a man-of-the-match display against Belgium. Reflecting on his season so far, Mainoo described it as enjoyable yet challenging, emphasizing the privilege of playing for his childhood club on a grand stage and feeling supported by the fans.
In conclusion, Kobbie Mainoo’s comments shed light on Manchester United’s need to address their shortcomings in seeing out games to achieve better results. Despite the frustration of the draw against Liverpool, he remains positive about the team’s progress and is grateful for the opportunities to showcase his talent on a significant platform. As United continue their season, Mainoo’s contributions and determination will be crucial in their pursuit of success.
