Amorim thrilled with Mainoo adaptability
Ruben Amorim hailed Kobbie Mainoo's performance in a more advanced position as Manchester United beat FCSB 2-0 to confirm a spot in the Europa League last 16.
England midfielder Mainoo played in a "10" role, rather than the deeper position he is accustomed to, and he laid on the opener for Diogo Dalot before scoring the second himself in Bucharest.
United boss Amorim feels Mainoo benefitted from not having to worry as much about his defensive duties.
"I think we controlled the game very well, we had more possession," Amorim said. "We have to understand the opponent, with all due respect. It's not the same as the Premier League, you have more time to think.
"I think Kobbie in that position played well, he was more free, not so much responsibility for running back all the time.
"I can understand my players better. I put Kobbie in that position, we need time to understand the players as he was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder.
"As a 10 he was so free, playing the ball near the box."
Mainoo became the first United player to score and assist on his first major European start since Wayne Rooney back in September 2004.
His contributions helped United to clinch third spot in the league phase and avoid having to play two extra fixtures in the play-off round next month.
Amorim thinks that will prove hugely beneficial and give him time to work with his squad on the training ground.
"That is the biggest thing, more than the win, is to have time to train and to recover players for playing in the Premier League. That is a key point for us," he said.
"That is really important for us to have time to train and have the connection between everybody - even the staff.
"In training we go to the pitch and get to know each other in the right environment.
"It is really important and then you can have one week to prepare again."
Asked if he felt the win was proof his side are starting to adapt to his methods, Amorim said: "Of course we want to improve a lot the way we play, we want to play a little more closer than today - with an opponent that plays with more pressure, more pace, more quality without the ball, you have to adapt the quality."
