Kobbie Mainoo took his opportunity after coming off the bench to inspire a comeback win for Manchester United over Lyon on Thursday night. It gives Ruben Amorim food for thought.
Manchester United’s 5-4 win over Lyon will go down in memory as one of the greatest comebacks in Europa League history. It ensured that the Red Devils secured a place in the semi-finals, where they will take on Athletic Bilbao.
Ruben Amorim’s side had the perfect start to the game as Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring after 10 minutes and they led 2-0 at half-time thanks to a second goal by Diogo Dalot.
The game was turned on its head in the second half when Lyon scored two goals to force extra time. After scoring two goals in the additional period, the Ligue 1 outfit thought they had booked a place in the semi-final finals, but that was before three United goals in seven minutes spoiled that.
Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire were on target in extra time to seal a historic win for United. It means that United could still qualify for the Champions League next season.
Kobbie Mainoo gives Ruben Amorim another option
With Manchester United struggling to score goals this season, there has been a lot of focus on the underperforming strikers at the club.
United fans now know that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are not goalscorers. It feels like there has been too much responsibility put on them to be that in the early stages of their careers, especially at Old Trafford.
Matters were made worse recently when Zirkzee sustained a hamstring injury, ruling him out of action for the remainder of the season. It means Amorim has only one centre-forward to select from for United’s remaining matches.
That explains why Amorim brought Mainoo on as a false nine to replace Hojlund on Thursday night. The 20-year-old took his opportunity and proved that he can be a back-up option to Hojlund for the remainder of the season, with many excused for believing he is already a better finisher than the Denmark international.
We are not suggesting Mainoo has found a new role and will continue to play as a false nine, but his performance against Lyon at least showed Amorim that the United academy graduate can be trusted in multiple roles if he wasn’t already aware of that.
It’s a blessing for Amorim to have a versatile option like Mainoo, who can play so many different roles at a high standard. This season may have shown a dip in the young man’s form, but it would be harsh to ignore the knocks and niggles he sustained throughout the year.
Mainoo’s sublime finish to make it 4-4 against Lyon inspired a late winner from Maguire, which came a minute later, at the very end of the game.
Kobbie Mainoo stats this season
Mainoo celebrates his birthday today, aged 20, and he will be looking forward to kicking on after a difficult season for Manchester United.
The midfielder has been limited to just 28 appearances this season due to injuries, with matters made worse by United’s dire league position.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 28 | 2 | 1 |
Both of Mainoo’s two goals have come in the Europa League but his could open his Premier League account this weekend when United host Wolves. The midfielder is likely to get the nod from the start.
Mainoo has not enjoyed a campaign quite like his breakthrough season, but United could still lift a trophy if they can go all the way in Europe.
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