Manchester United experiment shelved by Erik ten Hag after Paul Scholes dig
Erik ten Hag made an intriguing tactical decision in Man United’s Europa League clash with Fenerbahce but has already ditched the idea in this weekend’s clash with West Ham
by Daniel Orme · The MirrorErik ten Hag has completely ditched his Manchester United experiment with Noussair Mazraoui’s position.
The Moroccan fullback was named in the Red Devils’ starting lineup for their Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday. And he appeared to return to a more familiar position at right-back.
That was in contrast to the role he played in the midweek clash against Fenerbahce. Mazraoui was stationed as the Red Devils’ number 10 in the absence of captain Bruno Fernandes.
Explaining the move at the time, United boss Ten Hag said: “We bring Nous Mazraoui in the 10 position, I know from Ajax that sometimes I played him there. As a full-back in our system he's playing in the half spaces, so he is capable of doing this job. He can bring good pressing."
But the experiment did not appear to work as the Red Devils lacked fluency in their trip to Turkey. And United icon Paul Scholes was not particularly convinced by the switch.
He said: "I’m confused by it. I even think his explanation of it was confusing... I think Eriksen is perfect for that.I hope Mazraoui understands better what he has to do than I do. I found it difficult to understand (Ten Hag's explanation). I don’t see him as a number 10."
Despite that, there was still praise for Mazraoui’s performance. Goalkeeper Andre Onana believed that he adapted well to the new role. "He did a good job for us," he said to TNT Sports. "We're happy with him and happy with his performance.
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"He used to play there when he was younger so I think, sometimes, we have to be pragmatic, no, with the red cards and injuries. So players need some time to step up. That's what Mazraoui did and he was brilliant for the team because the team needed him there and I'm happy with him."
Former United boss Jose Mourinho also gave his thoughts and revealed that ex-loanee Sofyan Amrabat had given him some pre-warning. "The situation with Mazraoui, for you was maybe a big surprise," Mourinho said.
"But not for us because Sofyan Amrabat told me Mazraoui can play in this position. He did it a lot with Erik ten Hag in Ajax. he has the qualities. He's not Bruno but he has the legs to press."
Following their clash with West Ham, the Red Devils are back in action midweek in a Carabao Cup showdown with Leicester at Old Trafford.
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