Ruben Amorim might have contradicted himself with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo smiled and said he was "just happy to be on the pitch for Manchester United" when he was asked about his position switch against FCSB in the Europa League in January.

Mainoo started in the left-hand side No.10 role in Ruben Amorim's formation in Bucharest. The youngster was excellent and sent a reminder of his talent with a goal and an assist.

That night in Romania felt like the beginning of something for Mainoo. Amorim had previously questioned his suitability to play in the deep-lying midfield role in his formation, and it felt like Mainoo had finally found the position he was supposed to play under United's head coach.

Then Mainoo was played up front in the following game against Crystal Palace. Then he was relocated to the No.10 role against Leicester and substituted just after the hour mark.

Mainoo subsequently picked up a muscle injury, and he made his return with a cameo against Lyon at the Groupama Stadium. He also came on from the bench at St. James' Park and followed that cameo by scoring a brilliant goal against Lyon at Old Trafford, which made it 4-4 in extra-time.

Amorim was desperate and rolled the dice, playing Mainoo and Harry Maguire up front.

Mainoo played as a No.10 again last weekend in the 1-0 defeat against Wolves. His performance was indifferent and he was brought off in the 59th minute to make way for Mason Mount.

It's difficult to give a full assessment of Mainoo's position change, given that he picked up an injury, but it's probably fair to say the jury is out on whether his long-term future will be in that role.

Mainoo has been fine in that role. But he was previously excellent in a deeper midfield position. That is the difference. He will be given more time in the No.10