Topics: Manchester United, Europa League, Kobbie Mainoo, Ruben Amorim, Transfers, Chelsea, Erik Ten Hag
Ruben Amorim has explained why Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position than usual when he faced FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday evening.
Amorim, 40, watched on as his United side played out a comfortable 2-0 victory in Bucharest, Romania.
Mainoo, 19, and Diogo Dalot got on the scoresheet with the three points seeing the Red Devils progress automatically to the round of 16 having finished third in the 36-team group phase.
Notably, the England international played in a more advanced ‘number ten’ role as opposed to his usual deeper position - commonly referred to as ‘number eight’.
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During the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, Mainoo’s progress was halted by injuries, and he missed 21 United matches between July 27 and October 22.
Since then, he has also been linked with a potential transfer to Chelsea, with the Mail previously claiming that talks over a new contract have reached a “stalemate”.
Fans will undoubtedly be hoping he can return to the form he displayed during his breakout season under then-manager Erik ten Hag in 2023/24.
In his post-match press conference, Amorim gave his verdict on Mainoo’s showing and explained the reasons for the change in his role.
“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.”
Also speaking after the match, Mainoo gave his thoughts on his new role.
"I enjoyed it [playing in a more advanced role], I am just happy to be on the pitch for Manchester United, but wherever the manager needs me to play,” Mainoo told TNT Sports.
"Today it was higher up, and it turned out well, and I enjoyed it."
Mainoo will likely feature in United’s next match with the Red Devils set to play host to Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace side in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2 pm).
