Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has left fans perplexed by his explanation for starting Noussair Mazraoui at the number 10 position in his side’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce.
Bruno Fernandes’ red card against FC Porto in the last round of Europa League action meant that the Red Devils had to travel to Istanbul without their usual attacking midfielder and captain.
It would have been expected that any of Christian Eriksen, Joshua Zirkzee or Amad Diallo may have deputised in the number 10 role but Ten Hag had other ideas.
The Moroccan, who has just returned from successful corrective procedure on his heart, gave a decent account of himself without convincing anyone that he should permanently change position.
Early in the second half, the experiment was brought to a premature end when he moved back to the full back position. Lisandro Martinez joined Matthijs de Ligt in the centre of defence and Casemiro entered the pitch to partner Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park.
Speaking to TNT Sports before the game, the Dutch coach claimed that he knew the Moroccan could play in that position from their time together at Ajax.
“I know him from before. At Ajax, sometimes, I played him there. Also, as a full-back in our system, he’s playing in the half spaces, so he’s capable of doing this job.”
Ten Hag later explained that the versatile defender’s ability to press and work off the ball meant he can excel in a more advanced position.
“Even as a full-back, he’s capable of coming there. He can do good pressing.”
He then hinted at what would later come to pass in the game when Mazraoui was shunted back to his more normal position to bring on Casemiro for greater defensive solidity.
“Then we can see during the game what is needed and we can go with him, maybe in another position, and if needed keeping playing more offensive, or a more offensive player in that position. And it’s also possible for a more defensive midfield by bringing Casemiro on.”
“At Ajax I played him there…”
Erik ten Hag explains why he’s starting Noussair Mazraoui at no.10 🗣️
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With Fernandes likely to be back in the team to play West Ham United this weekend in the Premier League, it is safe to say that Mazraoui will probably return to his more usual position in the full-back role.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
