As Manchester United fans settled in for their Champions League clash with Fenerbahce, one decision in particular left many scratching their heads: Erik ten Hag’s choice to start Noussair Mazraoui in place of the suspended Bruno Fernandes. The Dutch manager opted to push Diogo Dalot back to his natural right-back position, with Victor Lindelof slotting in alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez taking up the left-back role. This unconventional setup left many wondering what had transpired in the minds of the United hierarchy.
Fans might have been excused for thinking they were witnessing a preseason training session, given the unorthodox positions being donned by the squad. But, according to ten Hag, there’s method to the madness. The manager has long held a rapport with Mazraoui from his time at Ajax, and believes the defender can thrive in a more advanced midfield role.
The stats don’t lie – Mazraoui has indeed played in a more creative position before. His transfer to United allowed for the prospect of blending his defensive prowess with an attacking flair. In his pre-match interview, ten Hag explained, “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.”
But what exactly does this mean? Is Mazraoui the most advanced midfield player, or is it merely a case of adapting to circumstances? “He can do good pressing,” ten Hag edges, “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 defensive midfielder by bringing Casemiro on.”
The flexibility on display is undeniable. The tactical jigsaw puzzle ten Hag has attempted to construct is nothing short of intriguing. With Christian Eriksen and Manuel Ugarte occupying the central midfield roles, the role of Casemiro as a defensive anchor becomes clearer. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho flanked lone striker Joshua Zirkzee, leaving one to wonder what the German gaffer is trying to achieve.
Make no mistake, this lineup is far from standard. The gamble taken by ten Hag is a bold one, driven by a clear conviction in his own vision. The world will be watching with bated breath as United endeavour to tame the Turkish giants, and the world will be scrutinising the figures on the pitch. Will Mazraoui prove his doubters wrong, or will the eye-catching formation fail to ignite? Only time will tell, but, for now, the enigma, in all its complexity and intrigue, continues to captivate.
