Following his injury recovery, Kobbie Mainoo’s performance against Lyon in the Europa League elicited a direct response from Manchester United supporters.
For the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal matchup, Lyon welcomed Manchester United at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais while the Red Devils traveled to France.
Thiago Almada gave Lyon the lead in the 25th minute by squeezing a straight free-kick past the United goalkeeper after Andre Onana’s howler in the first half.
Leny Yoro’s incredible header from Manuel Ugarte’s first-time goal gave United a chance to get back into the Europa League match before halftime.
The Red Devils came close to sealing the win on Thursday evening in France after Joshua Zirkzee climbed off the bench and broke the deadlock in the 88th minute.
However, Ruben Amorim’s men had to settle for a draw in the Europa League after Lyon found a crucial equaliser against United deep into second-half injury time.
Mainoo superbly linked up with Bruno Fernandes late in the second half before the United and Portugal midfielder chipped a superb ball for Joshua Zirkzee’s header.
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, praised the England midfielder for his impact during his short cameo performance on Thursday.
Other supporters said that Mainoo is perfect for the No 10 role in Ruben Amorim’s United tactical system and he offered more than what Alejandro Garnacho did.
One X user wrote: “Mainoo came on, and we immediately started to play football!”
Another Red Devils fan said: “Kobbie Mainoo’s cameo was so good. Did more in 10 mins than what Garnacho managed to do in 80.”
Somebody else commented: “Kobbie Mainoo in the [number] ten role. Hoping he gets his fitness up and a run of games in that role. In this system, I think that’s the role that suits him best… looking forward to seeing what he can do higher up…”
“I missed Mainoo so much man,” a fourth United supporter tweeted.
While a fifth said: “Mainoo came back and I saw sweet, simple football for at least few minutes. Wish he took that shot [the] first time to try [and] score. I’ve missed my boy!”
“Mainoo was providing more balance on that RW than Garnacho did all game,” someone else suggested.
And a seventh claimed: “Kobbie Mainoo has been out for weeks and was better than anything Garnacho has been for us.”
“On the plus side, Mainoo coming back is a blessing. He is made to play in that 10 role,” another posted.
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