Suwaid Fazal - Rotations
There was a moment in this game when Casemiro played through Amad Diallo, who had run from his wide-right starting position towards the other half. This was interesting because most of the top managers in recent years, whether it be Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, or Antonio Conte, have played a positional game. That sort of run isn’t very popular in the modern game.
Many commentators have already noticed the intricate patterns of play encouraged by Michael Carrick since his arrival, and it appears that the rotations between the front four will be another key facet until the end of the season. This suits many of the players in the side and adds a little variety to the league as well; long may it continue.
Colin Damms - Kobbie is back in a flow
I think its fair to say at this point, just four games into the Michael Carrick era, we can’t do a full “he’s back” evaluation of Kobbie Mainoo. After being left on the bench for a long time and refitting into a new midfield style and role to what he’s been training for over the last year, Mainoo is playing well but there isn’t a complete picture yet.
What I do feel confident in saying is that he has taken the return to responsibility and regular football seamlessly. It was obvious he has been itching to play the whole time, hence the loan request in the summer and January. There was going to be some pressure on him to perform well, or at least not stink it up, with Amorim out of the picture, but his play is going beyond that at the moment.
Mainoo had several smooth moments against Spurs on Saturday, as evidenced in highlight reels posted by both the Premier League and United on social media. The most significant was his cut towards Bruno Fernandes on a short corner, playing the ball perfectly to the top of the box for Mbeumo to send home into the bottom corner before anyone had really realized what was happening.
Mainoo is still developing his passing range, but his short passing and close-quarters dribbling/control have been brilliant to watch again over the past month. Can’t wait to watch more of it.