Ruben Amorim explains new position for ‘struggling’ Man Utd star after FCSB win
Ruben Amorim revealed that Kobbie Mainoo’s defensive struggles prompted his more advanced role in Manchester United’s Europa League win over FCSB.
United made if four wins in four under Amorim in Europe as they cruised to a 2-0 win against their Romanian opposition to secure a top-eight finish and book their spot in the last 16.
Diogo Dalot opened the scoring in the second half, popping up at the back post to sweep home Mainoo’s superb driven cross from the right side of the penalty area.
And the United midfielder would get in on the act just eight minutes later, meeting Alejandro Garnacho’s cross with a low finish into the bottom corner.
Mainoo has, until now, been deployed as one of the two central midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation but was moved up into an attacking midfield role to great success during Thursday’s match, with Bruno Fernandes dropping back into central midfield.
Speaking after the game, Amorim was full of praise for Mainoo’s performance, admitting that the new role had given the 19-year-old a new lease of freedom.
‘I think Kobbie Mainoo in that position played very well,’ he told TNT Sports. ‘He had more freedom with not much responsibility running back all the time.’
Kobbie Mainoo scored his first goal of the season in his more advanced role
Asked more about the new role in his post-match press conference, Amorim revealed that Mainoo’s defensive struggles had prompted the tactical rethink.
‘I put Kobbie Mainoo in that position, we need time to understand the players as he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder,’ he said.
‘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.’
Amorim said Mainoo’s defensive struggles prompted the tactical switch
Asked more generally about his side’s performance, the Portuguese manager added: ‘We controlled very well the game. We had more possession.
‘Of course we have to understand the opponent is not with all due respect the same level as the Premier League so we had more time to think and connect the plays.
‘The lads did a good job. Clean sheet again, create some chances but we have to score more goals because we had the opportunities.
Mainoo also provided the assist for Diogo Dalot’s opener
‘We made some rotation, we took two games from the schedule. It was a good day for us.’
Mainoo’s performance also impressed former United academy player Robbie Savage who urged Amorim to persist with the midfielder in the more advanced role.
‘Kobbie Mainoo as a No.10, I think that is his best position personally,’ said Savage after the game on TNT Sports. ‘I think in those tight areas as a No.10 that’s where he’s at his best.
‘I don’t think he’s a No.6 in this Manchester United team. The question is whether he’s creative enough to be a No.10 or defensivly-minded enough to be a No.6?
‘I think he has to play in a midfield three but obviously United don’t do that. He’s properly a No.8 but in this team he should play further forward. I thought he was brilliant tonight.’
United face just a three-day turnaround after Thursday’s win as they prepare to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
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