Manchester United Starlet Shines in No.10 Role Against FCSB
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has suggested that 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could have a long-term future as an attacking playmaker after an impressive display in the No.10 role during United’s 2-0 Europa League victory over FCSB.
Mainoo, one of the few bright spots during the final months of Erik ten Hag’s tenure, had struggled for consistent minutes under Amorim. Heading into Thursday’s match, he had completed a full 90 minutes just three times since the Portuguese coach took charge. But given the chance to play higher up the pitch, Mainoo seized the opportunity with both hands—scoring a goal and providing an assist in a performance reminiscent of club legend Wayne Rooney, who was the last United teenager to achieve such a feat on his European debut back in 2004.
Amorim: ‘He Was Free, More Near the Box’
Speaking after the match, Amorim acknowledged that Mainoo had been adjusting to the demands of a deeper midfield role but thrived with more attacking freedom.
“The position he played today, we needed time to understand what suits him best. He was struggling a lot when defending deeper in midfield,” Amorim explained. “Now, as a No.10, you could see he was so free. Playing near the box, making those small connections—he’s really good at that.”
The manager emphasized the importance of giving young players time to settle into their ideal roles.
“We need time to work with them and find their best positions. Today, I think it was a good position for Kobbie. He enjoyed the game more instead of worrying about tracking back and defending all the time. It was great to see him play with more confidence.”
A Key Player in United’s European Progression
United’s win secured automatic qualification for the Europa League Round of 16, and Amorim highlighted Mainoo’s impact on the team’s attacking rhythm.
“In the first half, the opposition pressed us well and covered all the spaces. We had some chances but didn’t score. In the second half, you could see FCSB getting tired, and that gave us more space. Kobbie found pockets between the lines, and with Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho’s pace, we became more dangerous,” he said.
“We should have scored more, but overall, it was a strong performance. Now, we recover and focus on our next challenge—our Premier League game on Sunday with our fans behind us.”
With his breakout performance, Mainoo has given Amorim plenty to consider for the future. If his development continues in this attacking midfield role, Manchester United may have unearthed their next great playmaker.
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