Manchester United’s next league game is against Everton, and one of the storylines to watch is how Kobbie Mainoo matches up against fellow Carrington product James Garner.
Mainoo has become a key figure for United under Michael Carrick, who has helped the midfielder regain his place in the squad after a challenging spell earlier in the season.
United travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday evening for their first meeting with Everton there.
The Toffees have climbed to eighth in the table and have lost just once in their last five matches, so they should feel confident heading into this one.
Garner’s form has been strong lately, making his head-to-head with Mainoo in midfield an important match-up that could play a big role in how things turn out.
Kobbie Mainoo vs James Garner: What to expect from the midfield match-up
Carrick will be familiar with what Garner brings to the pitch, having worked closely with him during their time together at Old Trafford. That insight could prove useful heading into this match.
Garner has filled in at right-back at times this season but has recently moved back into a midfield role. Under Moyes, Everton usually line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Garner playing as one of the two deeper midfielders.
United also operate in a 4-2-3-1 set-up under Carrick, who has typically paired Casemiro and Mainoo in the middle. When it comes to pressing, Mainoo is likely to push higher up to put pressure on Garner when Everton have the ball.
According to WhoScored, ball retention and concentration are among Garner’s strongest attributes. He is also excellent at breaking up play and currently ranks third in the Premier League for interceptions.
On the other hand, Mainoo has shown impressive stamina lately under Carrick, covering more ground than any other United player over recent matches.
This contest might also catch the attention of England manager Thomas Tuchel as he starts planning for his World Cup squad selection.
Two other tactical match-ups to keep an eye on in Everton vs Man United
While all eyes will be on Mainoo and Garner, there are other key battles worth watching, including the potential duel between Bryan Mbeumo and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite is back in the Everton line-up after a spell out of the side, and he will likely have to deal with Mbeumo, who has adapted well to a central striking role under Carrick.
United made several attempts to sign Branthwaite in 2024 but stepped away from negotiations due to Everton’s high valuation. The English defender will be eager to justify those demands, though containing United’s leading scorer this season will not be easy.
Another battle that could influence the game is between Iliman Ndiaye and Diogo Dalot. Dalot has been in strong form lately, handling himself well against top opponents.
Ndiaye has been linked with a move to United recently, so he will be keen to catch the eye with a standout performance.
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