Two Manchester United players dominated the stat charts in the first week of Premier League action.
Erik ten Hag will be happy with the overall performance from his team. Fulham came to Old Trafford and failed to get through United’s defence, but the work rate in midfield would’ve pleased the Dutchman tenfold.
Due to limitations up front and Joshua Zirkzee, the goalscorer, not being fully match fit, Ten Hag experimented with his formation as United started with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount both positioned as false nines. Rasmus Hojlund is currently out injured but is expected to return after the upcoming international break.
Kobbie Mainoo did a lot of combative work in the middle, but didn’t have much impact in the final third. He won 13 duels during United’s victory, more than any other player in any match over the Premier League’s opening round of fixtures.
It meant for more protection in the middle and Casemiro looked less isolated as a result.
Mason Mount aka press-monster
Many critics jumped on Mount after the game because his work on the ball wasn’t very impressive, but he made up for it with his pressing.
The England international also wasted a golden opportunity to break the deadlock early in the second half.
Mount brought intensity to United’s midfield by putting constant pressure on Fulham.
According to stats provided by Sky Sports, Mount made the most ‘counter pressures’ (25) of any player in the Premier League all weekend. This is when a player puts pressure on an opponent under pressure in less than two seconds of them receiving the ball.
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi was ranked second for counter pressures, clocking up 20 at Old Trafford during the same match.
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