Wow: ‘Game-changing’ star did something last night that no other Utd player has managed for 21 years | OneFootball

Last night, Kobbie Mainoo became the first Manchester United player in 21 years to record the same feat as club legend Wayne Rooney.

Indeed, the scintillating starlet notched a goal and an assist in the 90 minutes he played in Bucharest. Up until the clash, only Rooney had done the same when he bagged a hat-trick and an assist back in September 2004 against Fenerbahce.

Mainoo was pulling all the strings at the heart of United’s midfield and was behind every attack, making it no surprise he was ranked as the Reds’ highest-performing player on Sofascore upon the culmination of the final Europa League first phase fixture.

It looks somehow better statistics-wise, too, as Statman Dave took X/Twitter in the aftermath of the youngster rightfully earning his plaudits, confirming that he completed the affair with a 100 per cent crossing accuracy and 100 per cent long pass accuracy.

He won five duels, three tackles, took three shots and created two chances – most notably scoring and assisting to create both goals to ensure the Reds remain unbeaten. Mainoo was subsequently hailed as United’s ‘game-changer’ by TNT Sports.

Amorim left thoroughly impressed by five-star Mainoo display

Mainoo netted his first goal since last season’s FA Cup final. (Photo by Vasile Mihai-Antonio/Getty Images)

“Kobbie Mainoo played in a different position, with more freedom, more near the box” said Amorim of the United prospect. “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 was enjoying the game more, and I am happy about that.

“Kobbie’s position today, we had time to understand the players. He was struggling a lot defending as a midfielder, now more as a no.10, you can feel he’s playing on the ball nearer the box and near the box is really good with his small connections. We need time to work with players on what is their best position.”

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