Ruben Amorim has found perfect player to complete Kobbie Mainoo's position change as Man Utd's new No 10

Ruben Amorim may have the perfect player at his disposal as Kobbie Mainoo makes the transition to a more advanced role.

On Thursday night, Amorim moved Mainoo into one of the two no.10 slots for their Europa League clash against FCSB, with Bruno Fernandes being brought into a deeper position alongside Toby Collyer.

The England international was one of United's standout performers on the night, setting up Diogo Dalot's opener on the hour mark before scoring eight minutes later with a well-taken finish.

It was an all-round impressive display from Mainoo, who was praised by Ruben Amorim in his post-match press conference.

"Kobbie's position today, we had time to understand the players," he said. "He was struggling a lot defending, as a midfielder, now more as a no.10, you can feel he's playing on the ball nearer the box and near the box is really good with his small connections."

Amorim added: "We need time to work with players on what is their best position."

Mainoo flourished after being given more freedom to roam and create. "He's so technical, he can change the game there," Amorim added in his interview with MUTV. "I think it's a good position for him, we will see."

After the Portuguese coach hinted about a possible position change for the 19-year-old, fans on social media brought up the recent performances of 18-year-old midfielder Sekou Kone.

Kone, who joined United from Malian side Guidars FC in the summer, has been earmarked as a star of the future after initially attracting the attention of Europe's elite at the U17 World Cup.

But after a series of impressive performances at academy level – including Wednesday's display against Oldham in the National League Cup, as seen below – many have touted him to pick up first-team minutes in the not-so-distant future.

Sékou Koné vs Oldham Athletic pic.twitter.com/bq3py3yNMF

— M (@MarcusKnowsBall) January 29, 2025

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Kone's latest display.

One said: "I see academy players comps on here every week and think 'he’s not ready' but I really need to see this guy in first team football," and another wrote: "Press resistant midfielders are the best."

A third commented: "Looks mint, high intensity and pace is exactly what we are lacking in midfield at the moment. Hope he can grab a game or two this season."

A fourth said: "Sekou Kone is a prodigious talent with exceptional potential. His agility, physique + skillful control, make him a fluid & dynamic player. He boasts remarkable composure for his age, his game reading & ability to dictate the tempo is impressive. Kone will be a quality 6."

A fifth added: "He looks very good, tries to break lines first thing and carries the ball well."