Is Kobbie likely to stay in a no.10 role?

Thursday 30 January 2025 23:15

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim believes Kobbie Mainoo looked happier in an advanced role during the 2-0 win at FCSB in the Europa League.

The England international was moved into one of the two no.10 slots, alongside Christian Eriksen and behind Rasmus Hojlund, with Bruno Fernandes performing in a deeper position, as he has previously.

The tactical switch paid off as the teenager set up Diogo Dalot’s opener and scored the second himself, with a confident low finish.

Some have speculated that Mainoo’s long-term future may be further up the field and it was certainly a topic of discussion in the Romanian capital afterwards.

“Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box,” Amorim told MUTV’s Mark Sullivan in Bucharest. “He’s so technical, he can change the game there. So, I think it’s a good position for him, we will see. But I’m happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game more.

“Sometimes, he’s worrying about the recovery [runs], trying to defend and I know that he’s trying.

“Today, I felt Kobbie was enjoying the game more and I am happy for that.”

During his press conference, Amorim was also asked about Kobbie’s role and replied: “Kobbie’s position today, we had time to understand the players. He was struggling a lot defending, as a midfielder, now more as a no.10, you can feel he’s playing on the ball nearer the box and near the box is really good with his small connections.

“We need time to work with players on what is their best position.”

Mainoo will hope to build on this performance, starting in Sunday’s return to Premier League action, against Crystal Palace, at Old Trafford.