No surprise at Mazraoui's no.10 role

Thursday 24 October 2024 23:31

Both Andre Onana and Jose Mourinho said after Manchester United's 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce that they were not surprised to see Noussair Mazraoui start in the no.10 position.

With Bruno Fernandes absent, there was a lot of debate over who would fulfil that role and right-back Mazraoui was a shock selection.

When that move was confirmed by Erik ten Hag before kick-off, there was fresh discussion but the Morocco international was involved in the build-up to Christian Eriksen's goal.

Although Casemiro's second-half introduction led to a reshuffle, with Noussair reverting to defence, the tactic was not something that came out of the blue for his team-mate Onana.

Onana reacts to Fenerbahce draw Video

Onana reacts to Fenerbahce draw

Despite his stellar performance individually, Andre Onana says he is upset we didn't win at Fenerbahce...

"He did a good job for us," the keeper told TNT Sports. "We're happy with him and happy with his performance.

"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."

Fenerbahce boss Mourinho, famed for his tactical nous, said the selection did not affect his own plans.

"The situation with Mazraoui, for you was maybe a big surprise," he 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."

For his part, Noussair told Inside United recently, about his early days in Ajax's senior team: "Yeah, I was a midfielder and then, for the second team, I played one season in every position. From left-winger to central defender in the next game.

"So I’ve played everywhere and that is what really helped me now. Wherever I come onto the pitch, I feel comfortable. I don’t feel like ‘what do I have to do over here?’ I just know what to do with it because I’ve played already in every position so that really helped me a lot.”

 

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