Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim explained that he changed Kobbie Mainoo’s position for Thursday’s Europa League victory over FCSB after watching him “struggle” to fulfil his defensive duties.

The teenage midfielder lined up for the midweek trip to Romania in an attacking role together with Christian Eriksen behind striker Rasmus Hojlund. Bruno Fernandes was shifted back into the more withdrawn role which Mainoo has typically filled this season.

Following the half-time introduction of Alejandro Garnacho, Mainoo shifted to the right and teed up Diogo Dalot’s opener on the hour mark from high on the wing, sliding a low ball across the box for the wing-back to tuck in. United’s academy graduate sealed the 2-0 victory with a goal of his own, sauntering into the box to convert Garnacho’s cutback.

“Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box,” Amorim pointed out post-game. “He’s so technical, he can change the game there. So, I think it’s a good position for him, we will see.

“But I’m happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game more. Sometimes, he’s worrying about the recovery [runs], trying to defend and I know that he’s trying. Today, I felt Kobbie enjoyed the game more and I am happy for that.”

Amorim devised this new role for Mainoo after a sustained period on the training pitch. “I can understand my players better,” the Portuguese coach explained, “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 No10, you can feel it that he was so free, playing the ball near the box, and near the box he is really good, making the small connections. I need time and we need time to work with the players to understand what is the best position for them.”

“I enjoyed it,” Mainoo said of his new role, before adding: “I am just happy to be on the pitch for Manchester United, but wherever the manager needs me to play.

“Today it was higher up, and it turned out well, and I enjoyed it.”