Ruben Amorim sprung a few surprises with his Manchester United lineup against FCSB.
Thursday’s 2-0 win in Romania means Ruben Amorim has won three consecutive games as Manchester United head coach for the first time.
The Red Devils have also booked their spot in the last 16 of the Europa League after securing a top-eight finish in the group stage. Amorim will be delighted to have avoided two extra midweek play-off games in February.
Amorim was expected to make changes against FCSB and he made the bold decision to rest some key players with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo both starting on the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund struggled against Fulham last time out, but he kept his spot up front. To the side of him, Amorim experimented with Kobbie Mainoo in an advanced role.
Kobbie Mainoo stars in Man United’s win over FCSB
Mainoo has impressed in midfield under Amorim, but he had only completed three full 90-minute matches under the Portuguese before the FCSB win.
Reports have linked Mainoo with a move to Chelsea this month, but Amorim insists he wants to keep hold of the 19-year-old. He has now potentially found a new position he can call his own.
Mainoo started in an advanced No.10 position on the left of Hojlund, before moving to the right-hand side in the second half when Amad and Garnacho were brought on.
He assisted Diogo Dalot for the opener and then doubled United’s lead with a goal of his own. He made several intelligent runs in behind the defence and also linked up well around the 18-yard box.
Mainoo’s stats from the FCSB win shows just how impactful he was:
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 63 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Passes completed | 93% (39/42) |
| Key passes | 2 |
| Duels won | 5 |
Kobbie Mainoo experiment could save Man United millions
Patrick Dorgu is set to sign imminently for United, but PSR means that other major incomings are unlikely unless players are sold.
United have been linked to several strikers, as well as creative players who would suit Amorim’s 3-4-3 system as No.10s.
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Matheus Cunha is on United’s radar as a potential No.10 signing, but the Wolves star would cost upwards of £60m. Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is another forward who United have monitored this month.
After a brilliant performance against FCSB, Mainoo can expect to play in a more advanced role more often. If it sticks and he nails down the position as his own, United may end up saving millions that can be spent improving other positions.
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