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Manchester United eased previous FCSB and into the final 16 of the Europa League and, for as soon as, have been a genuinely entertaining watch.
Credit score is due throughout the pitch as Ruben Amorim’s males gained 2-0 in Bucharest however Kobbie Mainoo was the cream of the crop, taking part in additional ahead as one of many quantity 10s.
The 19-year-old thrived within the extra attacking position, and repaid the supervisor’s present of religion with a aim, an help and an all-round masterclass.
He missed an excellent probability to interrupt the impasse within the first half, however remained calm and picked up to fit dwelling United’s second with that very same assurance that sunk Manchester Metropolis in final season’s FA Cup remaining.
No participant had greater than his two photographs on course and he carried a relentless attacking risk with the ball at his toes, trying 4 dribbles and efficiently beating his man with three of them.
The participant rebuffed any criticism that he lacked creativity, delivering three key passes – this was solely matched by consummate playmaker Bruno Fernandes, and the in-form Lisandro Martinez.
On a superb day for United’s ball retention – six of the beginning XI had passing success charges of 90% or greater – Mainoo shone, discovering his man with 39 of his tried 42 passes for a hit price of 93%.
He was additionally an vital determine for the excessive press, successful two tackles over the course of the match and making one clearance. Solely two United gamers (Fernandes and Noussair Mazraoui) made extra tackles in an uncharacteristically dominant show.
And Mainoo led the way in which with duels contested, going toe-to-toe together with his man 16 occasions and popping out on high six occasions.
Every of the duels was on the bottom, with the younger Englishman not being examined within the air.
Amorim continued his tinkering with the facet by taking part in Mainoo as a ten and Fernandes in behind as a deeper-lying midfielder.
It’s truthful to say that the experiment labored wonders towards the Romanian opposition, and whereas Premier League soccer is a notoriously totally different beast it actually provides the boss one thing to consider forward of Sunday’s conflict with Crystal Palace.
All stats taken from sofascore.
Featured picture Vasili Mihai-Antonio through Getty Pictures
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