Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League - Source: Getty
Fulham star Alex Iwobi has jokingly acknowledged the physicality of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo after he was left injured following a tussle in their game. The young midfielder featured for the Red Devils as they claimed a dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham in the Premier League last weekend.
Nigeria international Iwobi spoke on his matchday vlog on YouTube about his experience in the game, praising Mainoo for his display. He also pointed out that he had been left nursing a hand injury after a coming together with the England international of Ghanaian descent.
"Shout-out to Kobbie Mainoo. But Kobbie, you finished my hand. Kobbie, you absolutely finished my hand. This guy’s got Ghanaian strength!", he said (via GOAL).
Kobbie Mainoo and Alex Iwobi lasted the full 90 minutes for their respective sides in the game at Old Trafford as both sides exchanged blows frantically. The Manchester United man made only his third league start of the season, all of which have come under Michael Carrick.
Mainoo completed 86% of his passes in the game and created one chance from his role alongside Casemiro in the double pivot. He won six of seven ground duels, completed four tackles, made four ball recoveries, and registered two clearances in the game.
Mainoo has played 270 minutes in the three games under Carrick, just about half a match shy of the total minutes he tallied under his predecessor Ruben Amorim this season. The 20-year-old was almost entirely frozen out by the Portuguese coach, and was strongly linked with a move away from the club on multiple occasions.
Manchester United beaten to teenage star by Ligue 1 outfit: Reports
Manchester United have reportedly lost out in the race to sign Stade de Reims youngster Patrick Zabi in the summer. The Red Devils considered the teenage midfielder as an option as they look to strengthen their squad in the summer, but he appears to be out of their reach.
Manchester Evening News reports that Paris FC have found an agreement with Reims for the transfer of the 19-year-old defensive midfielder in the summer. They will pay €25 million for his signature, beating several English sides, including Manchester United and Bournemouth, to the youngster.
Michael Carrick's side opted against making any signings in January ahead of an expected midfield rebuild in the summer. With Casemiro set to leave and the future of Manuel Ugarte unclear, the Red Devils will look to bring in a number of midfielders, and appear to have missed out on Zabi.