Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso was able to pinpoint a problem at Manchester United that Michael Carrick has been able to now fix in the short term at Old Trafford.

Xabi Alonso walked away from Stamford Bridge last Saturday with all three Premier League points after Chelsea shifted their momentum against Manchester United.

Kobbie Mainoo has helped Michael Carrick to make up for Man Utd’s lack of physicality after Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea remarks

According to The Daily Mail, Xabi Alonso had ‘concerns’ about Estevao Willian’s ‘physicality’ and has had his team ‘working on building him up.’ However, the newspaper added that the 44-year-old Spanish manager saw Michael Carrick’s side as the ‘ideal opposition’ to start Estevao Willian for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

While United conceded twice to Roma in the opening 20 minutes after Matias Soule and Donyell Malen beat Senne Lammens, the Red Devils looked far more efficient when they found their composure. At the heart of United’s physicality was Mainoo, who was composed in his performance and measured in his midfield control.

The Three Lions international was press-resistant in United’s fight-back against Roma and Mainoo was comfortable taking on the opposition players. Statman Dave on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, shared that Mainoo completed three successful take-ons and attempted four in total against Roma in his 90 minutes.

Mainoo’s presence on the pitch was not the complete ‘cure’ for the Red Devils’ lack of physicality across the entire team. However, the England international was like former Man Utd teammate Casemiro in trying to inject physicality from his key midfield role.

Mainoo was kept busy with his midfield display at Old Trafford. The United youth academy product completed 12 ball recoveries, three progressive carries and three tackles during his combined attacking and defensive display. It was important for Mainoo to show his physicality in protecting the ball and bringing overall balance to the Red Devils midfield rather than simply relying on sheer physical strength.

Considering Alonso’s remarks on Estevao, United manager Carrick would have benefited from having someone like Mainoo providing additional midfield protection to the vulnerable defence from the outset. However, it was not meant to be, as Mainoo’s phased return from injury limited him to a second-half cameo.