100% long pass accuracy, 4 recoveries, 1 assist: United star’s turnaround hits new heights in masterful display vs. Arsenal

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo produced another top-class display, this time to help the club to an incredible 3-2 win over Arsenal. United beat Arsenal United headed into the game with Arsenal with plenty of confidence from last week’s dominant 2-0 victory against neighbours Manchester City. Arsenal started as the better side, dominating possession and pinning United back. The Gunners took a deserved lead in the 29th minute when Lisandro Martinez put the ball through his own net. However, the Red Devils didn’t stay behind for too long. Bryan Mbeumo ruthlessly punished a horror backpass by Martin Zubmendi to draw United level before Patrick Dorgu fired a powerful strike to give United the advantage. Substitute Mikel Merino thought he had salvaged a point for the hosts when he prodded home from a corner with six minutes left on the clock. United responded almost immediately, scoring a stunner to secure Michael Carrick his second win in as many matches as United’s caretaker boss. Arsenal’s perfect home record is over. Several United players shone in inflicting this first Emirates defeat of the season, including Mainoo. Mainoo’s performance Mainoo managed an impressive 100% long pass accuracy. Mainoo regularly diffused pressure with his composure in possession, a quality reflected in his impressive 85% pass accuracy. Four of his passes were delivered into the final third. The England international made four recoveries. He created two chances, one of which was an assist for Cunha’s strike. He also fired one shot at the Arsenal goal. StatisticValue Long Pass Accuracy100% Pass Accuracy85% Touches51 Passes into Final Third4 Ball Recoveries4 Chances Created2 Shots1 Assists1 Kobbie Mainoo’s game by numbers vs. Arsenal: 100% long pass accuracy 85% pass accuracy 51 touches 4 passes into the final third 4 ball recoveries 2 chances created1 shot 1 assist Easy to forget he’s still just 20. 😳 pic.twitter.com/rQF6rJpKFD — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 25, 2026 Mainoo was out of favour under Ruben Amorim, struggling for playing time and opportunities. There were even suggestions that he would leave this month. He has now started against both City and Arsenal, proving his quality in each marquee fixture. United are next in action next weekend when they face Fulham. Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!