2G/A, 39/42 passes: How Amorim’s tactical shift paid off almost instantaneously, he has to do the same again

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·30. Januar 2025

2G/A, 39/42 passes: How Amorim’s tactical shift paid off almost instantaneously, he has to do the same again

Manchester United finished the first phase of their Europa League campaign without sustaining defeat following tonight’s 2-0 win over FCSB.

Indeed, the Reds have just sealed a third successive win in all competitions and back-to-back clean sheets, with last Sunday’s at Craven Cottage marking their first in 14 matches.

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At the heart of the side’s convincing display in Bucharest this evening was Kobbie Mainoo. He was deployed in attacking midfield for the first time under Ruben Amorim – and it’s safe to say the tactical switch paid off almost instantaneously.

Mainoo pulled all the strings in the middle of the park, taking over from United’s usual midfield maestro, Bruno Fernandes, who dropped back into a slightly deeper role to allow the teenager to roam further afield alongside Christian Eriksen.

A five-star showing from Mainoo in Europe

Mainoo netted his first goal since last season’s FA Cup final. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images)

He earned the highest rating of any player on Sofascore at full-time with an 8.5, which comes as no surprise given the statistics he racked up throughout his stellar 90-minute shift.

The 19-year-old recorded a phenomenal 93 per cent passing accuracy by completing 39 out of 42 of his passes – three of those being key ones. He was successful in three out of four dribbles attempted and dispatched one cross and one long ball while also winning six ground duels.

Yet, what’s certain to take the headlines is the fact he was involved in both goals on the night, assisting Diogo Dalot for the opener before notching his first of the season with a fine finish just eight minutes later.

The United faithful will be crossing their fingers and hoping the boss utilises Mainoo in the same position again throughout the remainder of the term, as he’ll only continue to flourish the more he grows accustomed to it.