I saw improvement — Amorim analyses Palace defeat and explains reason for Mainoo at False 9

Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim

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Ruben Amorim has lost five of his nine Premier League matches as Manchester United boss (Credit: Imago)

I saw improvement — Amorim analyses Palace defeat and explains reason for Mainoo at False 9

Faruq Ibrahim 23:25 - 02.02.2025

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim explained the reason for the controversial decision to play Mainoo as a striker.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes his team have made improvements, despite the 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. 

The Red Devils suffered their fifth home defeat at Old Trafford under the Portuguese tactician, still, the former Sporting boss saw positive changes in his side. 

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What Amorim said 

Speaking to reporters after the match, the 39-year-old expressed disappointment at the result; however, he pointed at some points of improvement he noticed in his team. 

"It was hard on us, the result. We improved some things from the last games, Amorim said, per the BBC

Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim during a Premier League clash (Credit: Imago) Ruben Amorim during a Premier League clash (Credit: Imago)

"We improved the better connections, we had more possession—the players created situations, but we suffered two goals that we can avoid.

For many, the Red Devils were destined to lose before the match even began, after the team sheet was released with no recognised striker named. 

Kobbie Mainoo, who Amorim is testing in advanced areas, led the line. Safe to say the experiment did not work against Palace, and after the game, the coach explained his reasoning. 

"Tomorrow we have to prepare for the next game. The idea was not to leave Rasmus [Hojlund] and Joshua [Zirkzee] on the bench. It was to use the characteristics of Kobbie Mainoo to improve the team."

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