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

Rúben Amorim has been praised for a second-half tactic change that finally “released” one Manchester United star again FCSB in the Europa League.

Manchester United wrapped up the league phase of their Europa League campaign with a controlled 2-0 victory over FCSB, as Rúben Amorim’s side navigated a tense night in Romania to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

United started on the front foot, pushing forward with intent as Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Højlund made sharp runs in attack. Despite a handful of early deliveries into the box and a decent opportunity for the Danish striker, the Reds struggled to find the breakthrough, heading into the interval goalless.

At the start of the second half, Amorim introduced Amad and Alejandro Garnacho in place of Toby Collyer and Tyrell Malacia. The change nearly paid off instantly, with Garnacho rattling the post within minutes of coming on.

The deadlock was finally broken on the hour mark when Diogo Dalot arrived at the back post to slot home after an intelligent move, with Mainoo providing the assist. The midfielder then got himself on the scoresheet, calmly finishing to double United’s advantage and underline his influence on the match.

With the game firmly in their grasp, United managed proceedings efficiently, seeing out the win with a clean sheet. The result confirmed their place in the Europa League knockout rounds after finishing third in the group.

Amorim praised for second-half tactic change

United looked much more like a potent and attacking side in the second 45 minutes, with Garnacho and Amad taking the praise for being the catalysts for this.

However, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves chose to highlight another change Amorim made that went rather unnoticed as Christian Eriksen stepped deeper into the pitch alongside Bruno Fernandes, allowing Mainoo to be “released” in the attack.

“Because Eriksen and Bruno were playing a bit deeper, it allowed Kobbie to be released and get further forward,” Hargreaves explained.

They then went on to review footage of Dalot’s opening goal as well Mainoo’s second, where the midfielder was praised for the delivery of his cross and then execution of his finish.

“And I said at that time, just play the ball in there, just put it in. You know, Kobbie does a brilliant job of putting it into an area and Dalot gets a tap in.

“You know, obviously, you need players to be in the back post. Dalot does brilliantly. Kobbie releases it. How about this for Ganacho [assist for the second goal]? He was brilliant when he came on, and Kobbie, he learnt from the first one and just blasted it into the goal.”

Amorim has new decisions to make

Last month, many thought Amorim had settled on his best starting XI, with the head coach himself explaining he feels he knows most of the team he wants to play.

Read More: Manchester United star praised for “brilliant” performance vs FCSB, Rúben Amorim must stop dropping him

However, Eriksen, Mainoo and Garnacho have started to thrive in their new positions, which will give Amorim some fresh decisions to make in the coming months.

Amad has been brilliant in the right attacking role, but after Mainoo shone in the same area in the second half, Amorim may want to shift Amad to right wing-back position in order to get both on the pitch.

Eriksen is leaving once his contract runs out in the summer, but his recent displays against Rangers and FCSB show that he can still be a useful asset before the end of the campaign.

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