Ruben Amorim explains bizarre decision to play Mainoo as a striker after Crystal Palace loss

Both players have faced heavy criticism this season, but their absence left United without a natural centre-forward on the pitch.

It was anticipated that either Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, or Amad Diallo would play up front, but it was Mainoo who took on the No.9 role as the game began.

The unconventional tactic initially showed promise, as the England midfielder struck the post in the opening minutes. However, the Eagles’ defense quickly adapted and limited his influence for most of the match.

The 19-year-old was substituted in the 70th minute, with United only managing two shots on target.

Normally a box-to-box midfielder, Mainoo did play in a more attacking role in United’s 2-0 Europa League win over FCSB, where he scored the second goal.

Defending the tactical change in his post-match press conference, Amorim said: ‘Today we decided to play with Kobbie, it’s not against Rasmus or Josh.

‘Sometimes the team creates situations by using the right characteristics. It’s not because you play with two scorers that you’re going to score more goals.

‘It’s a collective problem. We have to improve in all aspects of the game.’

Speaking before kick-off, Amorim explained his lineup, telling Premier League Productions: ‘Try to play in different positions, to create some danger. We also want to improve the way we take the game in the last third – we need to have more possession.

‘I like him [Mainoo] with the ball. Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase.

‘I think he’s a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one against one and he is creative. We need creativity in the last third.’