Image Credits: Getty Images
Andre Onana has now spoken up following Manchester United’s Europa League draw with Fenerbahce about Erik ten Hag’s interesting team selection.
Going into the game, United were missing several of their top players.
Erik ten Hag was without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire in defence through injury, whilst Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount are also out injured with Bruno Fernandes suspended.
This left three of their key midfielders needing covering, raising the question of how ten Hag will set up his squad to cover Fernandes’ number 10 role.
Most fans expected the squad to line up with either Christian Eriksen in the attacking position with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte behind him, or either Marcus Rashford or Amad Diallo there with the other of the pair on the wing.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
However, to the surprise of everyone, ten Hag opted for right-back Noussair Mazraoui to play in Fernandes’ place, with the Dutchman using him in the role previously at Ajax. This saw the Morocco international join Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee in attack.
The choice was made for Mazraoui’s pressing traits and ability to get in half-spaces, however, he failed to make an impact with the result extending United’s worst European run in 41 years, to six successive winless games, having only won one game in eleven.
Andre Onana discusses Erik ten Hag’s team selection
Now, United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana has voiced his concerns over the selection.
After the game, Onana commented: “We had Mazraoui as the number 10. I don’t know if he wanted to play there, but for the team, you have to take it.”
He continued: “Casemiro did it a lot of times last season. If I have to play striker, I will do it. For the team, we have to be able to be pragmatic.”
These comments from Onana are risking criticism of the shot-stopper, with Casemiro previously criticising ten Hag’s playstyle and selection saying it exposed his weaknesses, especially when he was made to play in defence.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!