Kobbie Mainoo happy to play 'wherever' after starring in advanced role for Manchester United in UEFA Europa League win
Published 31/01/2025 at 08:02 GMT
Kobbie Mainoo was deployed in a more advanced position in Manchester United's 2-0 victory over FCSB in the UEFA Europa League, and the England international did not disappoint. The youngster scored one goal and set up another as the Red Devils cruised to victory. However, he insists he is happy to play wherever manager Ruben Amorim wants him to for the team.
'Important to keep on winning' - Mainoo says Man Utd upturn in form must continue
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Kobbie Mainoo insists he is happy to play wherever manager Ruben Amorim wants him to despite impressing in a more advanced role as Manchester United defeated FCSB 2-0 in the UEFA Europa League.
The England international set up Diogo Dalot's opener before grabbing a goal of his own to ensure The Red Devils finished third in the league phase table.
Mainoo was deployed in a more advanced role in Bucharest, and was praised for his attacking influence by Amorim after the match.
The 19-year-old insists he is just happy to be representing United after a morale-boosting victory.
"It was definitely a tough game as we expected, a tough place to come, the atmosphere was really good," he said.
"Right now it is just important to keep on winning, build more and more wins and in this tournament we want to go as far as possible.
"So yeah, this is how it starts.
"I enjoyed it [playing in a more advanced role], I am just happy to be on the pitch for Manchester United, but wherever the manager needs me to play.
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Highlights: Dalot and Mainoo book last-16 spot for Man Utd
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"Today it was higher up, and it turned out well, and I enjoyed it."
On his goal, he said: "Yeah [he was pleased with his goal], I am more annoyed that I missed the one in the first half.
"I managed to get the one in the second, but I would have been happy with two."
The victory means United finished their league phase campaign as the only unbeaten side left in the competition.
They will now face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
TNT Sports pundit Robbie Savage believes Mainoo is at his best in the number 10 role after an impressive display in Bucharest.
"Kobbie Mainoo as a 10, I think that is his best position personally," he added.
"I think in those tight areas as a 10, I think that is where he is at his best.
"So again, it is solving the problems, three in a row and it is positivity for Manchester United, it was a good second half."
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