Watch: Ruben Amorim reveals Kobbie Mainoo's new role in Manchester United

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim sees great potential for Kobbie Mainoo's long-term future at the club as a No. 10, especially after his impressive performance and goal in the 2-0 victory over FCSB in the Europa League. 

With this win, United secured their place in the last-16 of the competition by finishing third in the group phase, thus avoiding a two-legged play-off. Both Diogo Dalot and Mainoo contributed to the victory by scoring against the Romanian champions.

Mainoo entered the pitch playing as a second striker and showcased his skills, providing a low cross that led to Dalot's goal and later contributing to Manchester United's second goal just eight minutes afterwards.

Ruben Amorim intends to use Mainoo as an attacker

The performance suggests that Amorim may consider nurturing Mainoo into a more attacking role. The United boss recognizes that he has faced challenges with defensive responsibilities when positioned deeper on the pitch.

🔴👀 Rúben Amorim: “Kobbie Mainoo was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder…

…now more as a 10 you can feel he was so free playing the ball”. @BeanymanSports 🎥 pic.twitter.com/LeQkmPEAsL

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2025

Amorim credited the team’s success to a strategic increase in time spent with players on the training pitch. Notably, Mainoo generated three chances and made nine touches in FCSB's penalty area eclipsing his performance in any Premier League match this season.

"To have time to train, to create connections between everybody, that is really, really important for us. Even the staff, everybody there in training, knowing each other in the right environment, I think it's really important." Amorim said.

"I can understand my players better - and put together the Kobbie position today. We need time to understand the players. He was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder. Now more as a No. 10, you can feel that he was so free, playing the ball near the box, and near the box, he is really good at making small connections. I need time and we need time to work with the players to understand what is the best position for them." Amorim added.

Earlier this month, Amorim stated that he intends to retain Mainoo at the club, though he acknowledged that financial pressures may compel them to sell some of their homegrown talents.

Manchester United is considering the possibility of letting Marcus Rashford leave during the winter transfer window, and they are also open to receiving competitive bids for Mainoo and Garnacho.