Thierry Henry (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Thierry Henry says Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Šeško can give Manchester United a dangerous attacking identity under Michael Carrick.
Thierry Henry believes Manchester United may have found a partnership capable of changing their attacking identity, with Kobbie Mainoo and Benjamin Šeško at the centre of his theory.
After United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, the legendary French striker praised the growing connection between the young English midfielder and the Slovenian forward.
United have changed direction since the departure of Ruben Amorim and the arrival of Michael Carrick, with Mainoo returning to a more important role and Šeško looking more confident in attack.
"I watched Mainoo and Šeško today and I saw exactly what Manchester United can become," Henry told Sky Sports. "Mainoo is calm, collected, and always plays forward when it matters. Šeško is strong, aggressive, and always dangerous deep in. That combination is dangerous."
Henry believes Carrick should avoid overloading the pair with tactical instructions and instead give them a clear structure built around speed, movement, and early forward passing.
"Carrick has to make things simple for them. Mainoo is at his best when he has the freedom to receive the ball, turn, and move quickly. Šeško is at his best when he gets the ball early," Henry said.
Mainoo’s ability to break lines could become a key weapon for United, especially if the players ahead of him make aggressive runs into space.
"Sometimes United are a bit too safe in possession. Keep control but add more verticality. When Mainoo has the ball, the runners have to run. Give him options. Let him dictate the pace but trust him to break the lines," Henry added.
Henry also warned United against using Šeško as a simple target striker. The former Arsenal star believes the Slovenian has the pace and movement to offer much more than hold-up play.
"You can't turn Šeško into a classic target striker. Yes, he can keep the ball, but that's not all he can do. Use his speed. Play diagonal balls deep, quick combinations around the penalty area. Let him attack the space, not just stand in it."
For Henry, the key lies in the connection between the two players. Mainoo can draw defenders forward, while Šeško can attack the space behind them.
"The connection between them is key. When Mainoo pulls forward, Šeško has to think about running. One draws defenders, the other takes advantage of that. That's how you hurt opponents."
Henry believes United have a serious platform to build on if Carrick shapes the system around their strengths.
"Mainoo can control games, Šeško can finish them off. That's how you win big games, like the 3-2 win against Liverpool. If you feed that connection properly, Manchester United will be a problem for everyone."