63 touches, 3 chances created – Manchester United star’s best performance this season equals Wayne Rooney record

One Manchester United star has equalled a record set by Wayne Rooney in 2004 as Rúben Amorim’s men score twice in a Europa League win against FCSB.

Manchester United brought their Europa League group stage campaign to a close with a composed 2-0 victory over FCSB, as Rúben Amorim’s side handled a tense encounter in Romania to book their place in the knockout rounds.

United started with purpose, eager to control proceedings, with Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund making intelligent runs in attack. Despite some promising deliveries and a good chance for the Danish forward, the Reds were unable to find the breakthrough and went into half-time level with their Romanian hosts.

At the break, Amorim made two changes, introducing Amad and Alejandro Garnacho in place of Toby Collyer and Tyrell Malacia. Garnacho almost made an immediate impact, striking the post within minutes of his arrival.

The breakthrough came on the hour mark, as Diogo Dalot ghosted in at the far post to convert a well-worked move, with Mainoo supplying the assist. The young midfielder then turned scorer, calmly slotting home United’s second to cap off a fine individual performance.

With a two-goal lead and full control of the match, United expertly saw out the remaining minutes, ensuring a clean sheet and confirming their place in the Europa League knockout rounds after finishing third in the group.

Mainoo equals Rooney record vs FCSB

There is little doubt that Mainoo was the Player of the Match against FCSB on Thursday evening, with many feeling that it was his best performance this campaign so far.

With the 19-year-old playing in a more advanced role, he was immediately involved in the goals, creating Dalot’s before converting himself, and in doing so equalised a record set by Wayne Rooney in 2004.

His two involvements meant that Mainoo became the first United player to score and assist a goal on their first major European start since Wayne Rooney in September 2004 against Fenerbahçe.

The young midfielder created three chances on the night, having 63 touches of the ball and played 90 minutes for the first time since 22 December, showing how much faith Amorim had in him on Thursday evening.

He also completed 38 of his 42 attempted passes, an accurate rate of 90%, having two shots on target and nine touches in the opposition box.

What Amorim said about Mainoo’s performance

Speaking to MUTV after the game, Amorim admitted that he was really happy to see that Mainoo was enjoying himself in a more advanced role.

Read More: Rúben Amorim praised for unnoticed change that finally “released” Manchester United star vs FCSB

“Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position with more freedom, more near the box.” he explained.

“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 really happy to see Kobbie enjoy the game a little bit more.

“Sometimes he’s always worried about the recovery, trying to defend. And I know that he’s trying. But today I felt that Kobbie enjoyed more the game, and I’m feeling really happy for that.”

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