Amorim praised Man Utd ace with 94% pass accuracy vs FCSB, Luckhurst described him as ‘a bit of Iniesta’ | OneFootball

Manchester United sailed to a 2-0 victory over FCSB in their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday evening.

Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo sealed United’s automatic qualification in the next round.

Manager Ruben Amorim made a bold tactical switch, allowing Mainoo to start in the left number 10 spot.

Speaking after the victory, Amorim gave Mainoo the credit he deserved.

He told to TNT Sports: “I think Kobbie Mainoo played that position (number 10) very well, with more freedom and with not so much responsibility running back all the time.”

It was a surprise to see the 19-year-old in an attacking role, especially with Bruno Fernandes in the starting XI.

The Portuguese playmaker was deployed at the base of midfield alongside Toby Collyer, giving Mainoo the freedom to express himself further forward.

The teenager squandered a golden opportunity to put United ahead after receiving Rasmus Hojlund’s fine pull-back cross in the 19th minute.

He blasted his shot over the bar when he should have at least hit the target to test the goalkeeper.

That moment could have hurt his confidence but the teenager grew into the game to repay Amorim’s faith.

Mainoo drilled a fantastic low pass across the face of goal for Dalot who was arriving at the far post.

The wing-back tapped it home to give United the lead.

Just eight minutes later, Mainoo turned goal-scorer, pouncing on a low cutback from Alejandro Garnacho and smashing it home to double United’s lead.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst lauded Mainoo as “excellent” after the game.

He wrote on X that the United starlet reminded him “a bit of Iniesta with how he operates on the ball”.

In addition to his goal and assist, Mainoo posted an impressive 94% pass accuracy and created two chances for United.

The Red Devils will next face Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .