Ruben Amorim suggested Manchester United's current team could be the worst in the club's history after they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Brighton (January 19). Every time the Red Devils look to have turned a corner, they hit a brick wall.
That could be the case after United's 2-0 win over Romanian outfit FCSB tonight that confirmed their place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Diogo Dalot was on the scoresheet in the 60th minute before Kobbie Mainoo finished off a fine move eight minutes later to make it 2-0.
Mainoo has long been viewed as the club's future and enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 campaign. He conjured up many memorable moments including a sensational winner in a 4-3 win over Wolves and the FA Cup finall winner in a 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
However, speculation has grown over Mainoo's future amid talk that he isn't 'untouchable' and that INEOS have a price they'd be willing to entertain offers for the 19-year-old. But since those suggestions were made he's been handed a new playmaker role and tonight was one of his best performances of the season.
Samuel Luckhurst: Mainoo Operates Similarly To Iniesta

Mainoo was United's man-of-the-match at the National Arena in Bucharest, putting in a fine display in one of the number 10 roles just behind Rasmus Hojlund. He teed up Dalot for the opener before getting on the scoresheet himself.
Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst gave a glowing verdict of Mainoo's performance. He wrote on X:
"Have said for ages Mainoo reminds me a bit of Iniesta with how he operates on the ball and that he could move from midfielder to playmaker. Showed promise further forward in the first half and he’s stepped it up this half. Excellent night for him."
Have said for ages Mainoo reminds me a bit of Iniesta with how he operates on the ball and that he could move from midfielder to playmaker. Showed promise further forward in the first half and he’s stepped it up this half. Excellent night for him. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 30, 2025
Mainoo has made 22 appearances across competitions this season and tonight he grabbed his first goal and assist of the campaign. He'll be eager to build on this performance and perhaps continue in his new advanced role which is proving to be a clever move from Amorim.
Manchester United's Starlet Already Hinted At His Playing Style Befitting A More Advanced Role

Mainoo delved into his playing approach when speaking in November and it made for interesting reading. The England international highlighted how he looks to turn away from the opposition (via United in Focus):
“It’s more an in-the-moment type of thing. Like if I check [his head owl-pivots over his left shoulder to demonstrate] I see a guy here, then I’ll turn this way. Or if I don’t have to do that, I can just bounce out. I don’t think, like, I’m gonna turn here… it’s more that if the defender gives me an option, then I’m gonna take it.”
Mainoo also spoke about which players inspire his playing style:
“I like to watch [Sergio] Busquets, the way he used to turn. Players like [Clarence] Seedorf, [Luka] Modric. Players like Yaya Toure – I like the way he used to play.”
Mainoo could continue his new number 10 role when United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday (February 4). He may have a new teammate unveiled on that day as the club edge close to completing a deal for Leece's Patrick Dorgu.