Robbie Savage says there's one thing that Kobbie Mainoo really struggles with for Man Utd
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Manchester United's underwhelming start to the season continued on Sunday as they drew 0-0 with Aston Villa.
On the surface, a draw away at Villa Park is far from a poor result – but the manner of this game was emblematic of so many of United's problems at the moment.
Jonny Evans was arguably the Man of the Match, there was no attacking spark, and the midfield battle lacked any sort of intensity.
Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen started this game, and there was a severe lack of pace in the midfield.
Speaking on BBC 606, Robbie Savage has been reviewing this match, and he noted an issue with Mainoo's game.
Indeed, according to Savage, Mainoo really struggled with recovery runs, stating that he needs a midfield partner who is much quicker.
Kobbie Mainoo criticised for his lack of pace
Savage spoke about the youngster and his lack of legs.
"I agree, listen Kobbie Mainoo has done unbelievably well, he's a young player, he has peaks and troughs, and he's always learning," Savage said.
"Where I think Kobbie Mainoo struggles is his recovery runs and his dynamism. He needs someone with him who can get up and down and can run."
"Again, I think they have recruited wrong, I think they have recruited wrong."
How slow is Man Utd’s Mainoo?
Savage says that Kobbie Mainoo isn't quick enough, and he's not wrong. Last season, Mainoo was statistically Manchester United's slowest player, clocking a top speed of just 29.86 km/h.
He did marginally improve on that at Euro 2024, hitting a top speed of 30.5 km/h, but that still made him England's fourth-slowest player, and even then that's counting Anthony Gordon who played just one minute during the tournament.
Mainoo isn't fast, he's a fantastic talent quick a sharp mind and clever feet, but, in this day and age, if you lack pace, you will get outrun in that midfield and you'll be chasing the game.
On the ball, there aren't many better than Mainoo, but, off the ball, he's not the most effective player to say the least.
Manchester United need to find a way to mask Mainoo's lack of speed, and, sadly, Christian Eriksen isn't the answer in that regard.
