Noussair Mazraoui to play in new role for Manchester United against Fenerbahce

Manchester United fans have been left stunned as Erik ten Hag opted to deploy Noussair Mazraoui in an unexpected position in their match against Fenerbahce.

The team travelled to Turkey to face off against their former manager, Jose Mourinho, and lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 formation – but with a twist.

Instead of starting on the right side of defence, Noussair Mazraoui was notably absent from his usual full-back position, with Diogo Dalot preferred for that role.

The real surprise came when it was revealed that Mazraoui would play in an attacking midfield role, despite Amad Diallo being available on the bench.

Ten Hag confirmed this strategic move, indicating that it was a role they had experimented with during their time together at Ajax.

“We have some injuries and a suspension with Bruno, so we had to be creative,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports.

“Also, we had some players who have a short turnaround to West Ham, so we’ve made some changes there and a different set-up, but not so much different because we want to keep consistency.

“Eriksen there, Mainoo as the No.6 and we bring Mazraoui into the No.10 position.

“I know him from before, sometimes played him there for Ajax, also playing him as a full-back, and also in our system he’s playing in the half spaces, so he’s capable of doing this job.

“He can do good pressing.

“We can see during the game what is needed, so we maybe go with him in another position and maybe if needed, he can play a more offensive position and it’s also possible to bring Casemiro in.”

Ten Hag continued: “Rasmus Hojlund is returning from a big injury and we have to build up his fitness.

“He’s not up to 100 per cent speed but he will come.

“We want to avoid him getting injured again, so we spare him today, and Sunday [West Ham] is another big game.

“The atmosphere will be very loud, for sure, it will be hostile, for sure, but we know the style of the manager, playing counter-attacks and he can do that very good.

“We have to be prepared for it, read the game and play it smartly.”

Manchester United XI: Onana, Lindelof, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot, Ugarte, Eriksen, Mazraoui, Rashford, Zirkzee, Garnacho.

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Amass, Ogunneye, Casemiro, Amad, Antony, Hojlund, Wheatley.

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