Ruben Amorim suggested that Kobbie Mainoo’s switch to attacking midfield could become permanent after his starring role in Manchester United’s Europa League win against FCSB on Thursday. Mainoo delivered a Player of the Match performance as United wrapped up their league phase campaign with a 2-0 victory in Bucharest.
Amorim handed the 19-year-old his first European start at Romania’s National Arena, and he repaid his faith with an influential showing.
Mainoo provided a pinpoint cross-goal pass for Diogo Dalot’s second-half opener before directing Alejandro Garnacho’s cutback past Stefan Tarnovanu to double the lead.
United ended the league phase as the only unbeaten club among the 72 across the Champions League and Europa League.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ruben Amorim have orchestrated five consecutive wins after Erik ten Hag oversaw three early draws.
The Red Devils finished third behind Lazio and Athletic Club, and there is a sense of importance surrounding the remainder of the Europa League campaign.
It is the clearest path to Champions League football, with the Premier League’s top five already out of sight, and Amorim’s side are among the favourites.
Having players like Mainoo at his disposal is why, and the teenage talent looks primed for a new lease of life in a more advanced role.
He acted as one of the two attacking midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system after his introduction in last Sunday’s 1-0 win at Fulham.
Fans were left impressed as Mainoo showcased his ability to progress the ball in tight spaces and link up with Amad, creating the 22-year-old’s goal that VAR later ruled out.
The England international thrived further forward again on Thursday, and Amorim hinted that he was more suited to that role, claiming he struggled with his defensive responsibilities in midfield.
“It is really important for us to have time to train and have the connection between everybody – even the staff,” Amorim explained after full-time.
“In training, we go to the pitch and get to know each other in the right environment. It is really important, and then you can have one week to prepare again.
“At the beginning of the week, you can work on your ideas and then have time to focus on the opponent [after United avoided two play-off games in February]. I can understand my players better.
“I put Kobbie Mainoo in that position; we need time to understand the players as he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder.
“As a 10, he was so free playing the ball near the box. We need time to work with the players to understand what the best position is for them.”
