Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo produced another top-class display, this time to help the club to an incredible 3-2 win over Arsenal.
United beat Arsenal
United headed into the game with Arsenal with plenty of confidence from last week’s dominant 2-0 victory against neighbours Manchester City.
Arsenal started as the better side, dominating possession and pinning United back. The Gunners took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martinez put the ball through his own net.
However, the Red Devils didn’t stay behind for too long. Bryan Mbeumo ruthlessly punished a horror backpass by Martin Zubmendi to draw United level before Patrick Dorgu fired a powerful strike to give United the advantage.
Substitute Mikel Merino thought he had salvaged a point for the hosts when he prodded home from a corner with six minutes left on the clock. United responded almost immediately, scoring a stunner to secure Michael Carrick his second win in as many matches as United’s caretaker boss.
Arsenal’s perfect home record is over. Several United players shone in inflicting this first Emirates defeat of the season, including Mainoo.
Mainoo’s performance
Mainoo managed an impressive 100% long pass accuracy.
Mainoo regularly diffused pressure with his composure in possession, a quality reflected in his impressive 85% pass accuracy. Four of his passes were delivered into the final third.
The England international made four recoveries.
He created two chances, one of which was an assist for Cunha’s strike. He also fired one shot at the Arsenal goal.
Statistic Value
Long Pass Accuracy 100%
Pass Accuracy 85%
Touches 51
Passes into Final Third 4
Ball Recoveries 4
Chances Created 2
Shots 1
Assists 1
Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Arsenal:
100% long pass accuracy
85% pass accuracy
51 touches
4 passes into the final third
4 ball recoveries
2 chances created
1 shot
1 assist
Easy to forget he’s still just 20. 😳 pic.twitter.com/rQF6rJpKFD
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 25, 2026
Mainoo was out of favour under Ruben Amorim, struggling for playing time and opportunities. There were even suggestions that he would leave this month. He has now started against both City and Arsenal, proving his quality in each marquee fixture.
United are next in action next weekend when they face Fulham.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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