United Beyond Manchester

As Manchester United secured a Top 8 league phase finish in the Europa League, one player impressed in a new position. Kobbie Mainoo, playing as a number ten, was the Man of the Match, scoring and assisting in the 2-0 win.

Mainoo’s incredible performance went beyond the scoresheet. The 19-year-old played freely, completing four dribbles, creating two total big chances, and taking three shots.

The comfort level that Mainoo has on the ball works in his favor higher up the field. He can operate in tight spaces and has the vision to find passes similar to teammate Bruno Fernandes. He also found gaps in the Romanian side’s defense, penetrating the backline with incisive passes and dribbles.

Playing higher also results in fewer defensive responsibilities, which is where the England international has struggled the most this season.

After the win over FCSB, Ruben Amorim spoke on the potential of Mainoo playing as an attacking midfielder moving forward.

“I don’t think it’s the contract [talk that has improved his form]. Everybody in England sees him as a very, very good player.

“He played in the European Championship final, so I think it’s more the position, then he’s not comfortable because before he was always playing and now sometimes plays, sometimes doesn’t play.

“Maybe there is something to do with that, but I think the key point is the position. It’s different for him, it demands a lot from him and today, I feel him happier to play [as an attacking midfielder]. Simple as that.

“I don’t look about just the movements, the way he touches the ball, I feel it just watching him, he was so happy on the pitch.

“That is important for me because if they are happy, they can play better. So, I think he can change position.”

Ruben Amorim went beyond the statistical aspect of Mainoo’s performance, highlighting the midfielder’s happiness playing in the number ten role. When players are happy on the pitch, they often perform at their highest level, and a happy Kobbie Mainoo is a world-class player.

An attacking midfield duo of Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo has massive potential. Manchester United fans have been awed by Amad’s quick attacks and magical left foot this season, and adding a confident, free-playing Mainoo to the strengths of the Ivorian could change the United attack for the better.

While Manchester United still needs a true finisher to lead the front line, Ruben Amorim may have found something in Bucharest that can improve his team this season and in the future.