Rúben Amorim made a major tactical switch against ASEAN All-Stars that could finally see him unleash a “monster” Manchester United player next season.
Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in the first of two post-season friendlies in Southeast Asia this week.
The match began with ASEAN pressing forward, testing United’s defence early on. However, experienced players like Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo soon began to assert control.
Young talents Jack Moorhouse, Sekou Kone, and Shea Lacey stood out in the first half, with Mainoo coming close to scoring, though the game remained goalless at the break.
Rúben Amorim made further substitutions in the second half to hand more Academy players valuable minutes. But it was the home side who broke the deadlock, as Maung Maung Lwin rifled a powerful shot past Tom Heaton with 20 minutes remaining.
Despite a late push, United couldn’t find a way through ASEAN’s resolute defence and fell to a narrow 1-0 loss in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.
Major tactical switch made by Amorim
While a number of Academy and young players featured from the start against ASEAN, Amorim also made sure several of United’s first-team senior players were embedded within the line-up, too.
Mainoo was making his first start for United since 11 May, playing on the left of the front three alongside Rasmus Højlund and Moorhouse, and looked like United’s most dangerous player in attack.
With Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu playing a high line from wing-back next to him, the English midfielder combined well with those around him and got off multiple shots, including one cleared off the line.
In the second half, with Alejandro Garnacho replacing Mainoo and Harry Amass coming on for Dorgu, United continued this pattern, with the Argentine winger continually popping up right next to striker Chido Obi.
Amorim’s trial can unleash Mainoo next season
Mainoo has been unfortunate in that he has not been able to make much of an impression at Old Trafford under Amorim due to multiple injuries and the left flank being mostly occupied by Garnacho.
However, with the latter set to leave United this summer after being informed by Amorim that he is free to find a new club, this could be the perfect time to unleash Mainoo in the role that could make him a “monster” under Amorim.
During Mainoo’s breakout season last campaign, he played his best football on the left of a midfield three, sometimes playing in a pivot with the license to roam forward and play on the edge of the area, scoring multiple goals from this position.
If Amorim were to give Mainoo the license to roam inside behind United’s striker next season, with Dorgu supporting him on the left flank, it would allow the 20-year-old to return to playing his best football, competing with new signing Matheus Cunha.
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