Bruno Fernandes once again played a decisive role as Manchester United recovered to beat Ipswich Town 5-2 at Old Trafford, but Kobbie Mainoo’s influential midfield display may have been the most encouraging aspect of the victory for Michael Carrick’s side.
Fernandes, the Premier League’s leading assist-maker, supplied another decisive pass for United’s fifth goal before the final whistle. He was named player of the match after another match-winning contribution.
Carrick, however, was quick to highlight Mainoo’s performance.
“I understand Bruno will be getting a lot of the credit but [Kobbie Mainoo] was immense,” said the Manchester United manager.
The 21-year-old completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch, used possession intelligently and made three tackles. His physical strength was particularly noticeable as he helped United gain control of the midfield.
Mainoo has already experienced a great deal in his career, including difficult spells and periods of uncertainty, but his display against Ipswich underlined the scope for further improvement.
Carrick said the midfielder’s contribution “underpinned the result of the team”. Mainoo was part of England’s squad at the World Cup but did not play, while his opportunities at Manchester United were also limited under Ruben Amorim.
Regular football could now help him develop under Carrick, although competition for places is intense. Carlos Baleba was presented to the Old Trafford crowd before kick-off, while Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have also arrived.
Mainoo must therefore prove he deserves a place in United’s strongest midfield.
“It is about trying to make the most of the combinations,” Carrick said. Whatever combination eventually becomes United’s preferred option, Mainoo’s performance against Ipswich strengthened his case to be included.
Chelsea’s counter-attacking threat comes with a trade-off
Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Brighton showed the speed and sharpness of their attacking play, with the result following a 3-0 win against Fulham. They could have scored even more in both matches.
Yet the victory over Brighton also came with Chelsea recording their lowest share of possession. Xabi Alonso’s team had only 25.6% of the ball and completed 146 passes, their lowest total since records began in 2003-04.
Chelsea had managed 38% possession in the win against Fulham, giving them the third-lowest average in the division at the time of writing. Results mean supporters are unlikely to be concerned, provided the victories continue.
Alonso said the figures needed to be viewed in context. Chelsea had spent almost the entire game ahead against Brighton, just as they had against Fulham, leaving their opponents with greater responsibility to attack.
“You need to have context for every data for sure,” he said. “After 30 minutes we scored the 3-0. Probably in that moment, we played too much with the result instead of keeping playing.
“But the data is not important, it is how you play and what we can do better. It is never that approach. I don’t say, ‘today we need to have 60 per cent or 20 cent’. I never talk about those things, it is about how to prepare, how to be more competitive.”
Chelsea’s ability to break quickly has already emerged as a significant weapon during the opening games. Alonso will also recognise that his side need to exercise greater control, particularly with Enzo Fernandez exiled and Moises Caicedo apparently injured again.
“It is a process,” Alonso added.
Sunderland substitutes deliver again
Sunderland are likely to rely heavily on their squad as they balance domestic football with European commitments, making the impact of their substitutes against Fulham an encouraging sign for Regis Le Bris.
Habib Diarra created the winning goal with a cross and Wilson Isidor provided the finish. Both players had been introduced at the same time, 10 minutes before the decisive moment.
Isidor showed determination after missing an excellent opportunity a few minutes earlier. The 26-year-old had been linked with a move away from Sunderland during the summer, but he signed a new contract this week and marked the occasion with a goal at the Stadium of Light.
“[Isidor] has a good future,” Le Bris said after the match. “He has to work hard again and again but he showed really good qualities.
“It’s important and the lads are really clear now about the rotation of the squad. They all want to be a starter but it’s not possible and the group is well-connected.
“You see they are frustrated when they are on the bench but they know they will have opportunities and this season is going to be really long and demanding so the roles they have are clear.”
Sunderland will need contributions from players such as Isidor throughout the campaign if they are to compete on both fronts.
Leeds survive Brentford pressure
Leeds United demonstrated their resilience in the Premier League, while Daniel Farke showed his tactical adaptability as his team drew with Brentford at Elland Road.
Brentford, who are continuing to develop under Keith Andrews, dominated the opening half. Kevin Schade put them ahead with a clever finish as the visitors restricted Leeds to two shots, neither on target, while producing 11 attempts of their own.
The same fixture in March ended goalless.
“The way we had to approach it was quite pragmatic,” Andrews said of that match. “Today was a different mindset as a group. How we’ve started the season has been built on what we did last season – you could see that in the first half.”
Leeds struggled to match Brentford’s intensity and quality in possession until Farke changed formation at half-time. He moved to a back four, brought Ao Tanaka into midfield and initially used Harry Wilson on the right.
The adjustment had an early impact, but Brentford’s centre-backs Kristoffer Ajer and Nathan Collins were still not being tested enough. Farke responded by sending on Lukas Nmecha to play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin in a 4-4-2 system.
Dan James was also introduced to add width on the right. Anton Stach moved inside on the left to protect Leeds against Brentford’s three-man midfield, while Ethan Ampadu shifted to right-back.
The equaliser came after James linked up with Ampadu. James delivered a low cross which Nmecha controlled before sending the ball across the six-yard box, where Calvert-Lewin converted.
Farke’s willingness to change the shape of his team, combined with Leeds’ refusal to collapse while Brentford were in control, offered further evidence that the club are gradually establishing themselves in the top flight.
