Ruben Amorim Explains Why Kobbie Mainoo Played in a More Advanced Role Against FCSB
After Manchester United’s 2-0 victory over FCSB in Bucharest, Ruben Amorim opened up about his tactical decision to field Kobbie Mainoo in a more advanced role than usual. The young English midfielder, who is often deployed in a deeper, box-to-box role, was used as a “number ten” in Thursday’s Europa League clash—a position he has not featured in regularly this season.
Mainoo’s New Role
For much of the season, Mainoo has been operating in a more traditional “number eight” position for United, where he can contribute to both defensive and attacking duties. However, against FCSB, Amorim deployed him further forward, closer to the striker, where he could be more involved in creating chances and making runs into the box.
This switch proved to be a masterstroke, as Mainoo played a key role in the match’s build-up and scored the crucial second goal to put the game out of reach for the Romanian side.
Amorim’s Tactical Insight
Amorim, reflecting on his decision post-match, explained the rationale behind this tactical tweak. The Portuguese manager emphasized the importance of flexibility and how it could benefit Mainoo’s development in the long run.
“Kobbie is a versatile player, and his adaptability is something we’ve been working on. I knew that pushing him forward to the number ten position would give him more freedom to express himself creatively,” Amorim said. “He’s capable of playing deeper or higher up the pitch, and I wanted him to experience a new challenge tonight. It’s all about giving him the right environment to grow and develop.”
Mainoo’s Contribution
The tactical shift worked wonders, as Mainoo was able to play a more central role in the attack, linking up play with the forwards and providing support for Bruno Fernandes. In the second half, Mainoo scored his first goal of the game after receiving a low cross from Diogo Dalot. His composed finish sealed the win for United, ensuring their smooth progression to the Europa League round of 16.
The 19-year-old’s performance was a demonstration of his maturity beyond his years, with his ability to switch roles seamlessly and still impact the game in a positive manner. It was also a reminder of his potential, especially when utilized in a more advanced position that allows him to unlock defences with his vision and intelligence.
Building on Versatility
By using Mainoo in a more attacking role, Amorim showed that he is keen to develop the young midfielder’s full range of skills. While Mainoo’s natural instincts may lie in midfield, his ability to play further up the pitch allows United to be more fluid and unpredictable in their attack.
“Having a player like Kobbie, who can play in different positions, gives us more options, and it will be useful in the coming weeks when we face more tactical challenges,” Amorim added. “It’s important for him to gain experience in these different roles so that he can be an even more complete player in the future.”
Looking Ahead to the Knockouts
With United now safely through to the Europa League knockout stages, Amorim will be looking to make the most of his squad’s depth, especially in Europe. Mainoo’s performance against FCSB proves he has the versatility and quality to be a key player for United as the season progresses.
For Mainoo, this match could mark an important step in his development. Being able to adapt to different positions and contribute to both the defensive and offensive phases of play will only increase his value to the squad as United looks to push for more silverware under Amorim’s guidance.
Conclusion
Kobbie Mainoo‘s performance against FCSB was another reminder of his immense potential. The young midfielder’s ability to thrive in a new role underlined Ruben Amorim’s confidence in his tactical flexibility and the importance of providing players with opportunities to grow. With Mainoo increasingly becoming a key figure in United’s midfield, this experience in the number ten role could be the start of an exciting new chapter in his development.
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