Roberto De Zerbi has revealed his thinking behind using Moises Caicedo at right-back against Manchester United.

The head coach was left without an obvious candidate for the role after specialists Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman as well as regular stand-in Pascal Gross were injured.

He had the option of a back three but it was fairly clear he had decided against that when team sheets were delivered and Levi Colwill was not in the XI.

After a 6-0 win over Wolves, De Zerbi was keen to keep the same shape.

His thinking also included Billy Gilmour’s impressive midfield showing last Saturday.

De Zerbi said: “I thought to change to play with three defenders but I think we reach a high level of football and we have the right technologies playing in this tactical disposition.

“And I didn’t want to change.

   

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“I think Caicedo can play everywhere. He’s a top, top player.

“I love giving players the chance to show me their quality and Gilmour was fantastic against Wolverhampton – I thought like this.”

Caicedo told The Argus he was given the option of playing right-back a few hours before the game – and was happy to seize it.