Amorim defends decision to play Mainoo as striker in Crystal Palace defeat

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has defended his decision to play Kobbie Mainoo as a striker in their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Despite suffering their fifth home loss under the Portuguese coach, Amorim insisted that his team has made improvements.

Speaking after the match, the 39-year-old admitted his disappointment but highlighted areas where his team had progressed. “The result was hard on us. We improved in some areas compared to our last games,” Amorim said, as quoted by the BBC. “Our connections were better, we had more possession, and the players created chances, but we conceded two goals that we could have avoided.”

Manchester United’s team selection surprised many, as the lineup did not include a recognised striker. Instead, Amorim deployed Mainoo in an advanced role, a decision that did not pay off against Palace. Explaining his choice, he said, “Tomorrow, we have to prepare for the next game. The idea was not to leave Rasmus [Højlund] and Joshua [Zirkzee] on the bench. It was to use the characteristics of Kobbie Mainoo to improve the team.”

Manchester United will now focus on their next fixture as they look to bounce back from another disappointing home result.