Erik ten Hag explains shock decision to start full-back Noussair Mazraoui as a No 10 in Man United’s Europa League clash at Fenerbahce as club legend Paul Scholes is left baffled

Erik ten Hag has shed light on his surprise move to start full-back Noussair Mazraoui as a No 10 in Man United’s Europa League 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce.

The Moroccan arrived from Bayern Munich in the summer to reunite with his fromer manager having been together at Ajax.

He has largely been playing on the right-hand side of defence in the opening months of the season but an under-pressure Ten Hag shifted him to a role behind the striker for Thursday’s trip to Istanbul in a switch-up which has raised some eyebrows.

The Dutchman explained his decision ahead of the crunch match in Europe.

He said: ‘We bring Mazraoui in the 10 position. I know him from before at Ajax sometimes I played him there. Also as a fullback, often in our system he’s playing in half spaces so he’s capable of doing this job.

The Moroccan (left) arrived from Bayern Munich in the summer to reunite with his former manager having been together at Ajax

He has largely been playing as a right-sided full-back in the opening months of the season

‘He’s also a full-back sometimes playing in the half spaces he’s capable of playing there. He can do good pressing and then we can see during the game what’s needed. 

‘We can go with him maybe in other positions and maybe if needed in more offensive position, more offensive player in that position and is also possible to bring in a more defensive midfield to bring Casemiro on.’

Club legend Paul Scholes was less than convinced by the mercurial move.

‘I’m confused by it,’ he said. ‘I even think his explanation there was confusing. I hope Mazraoui understands better what he’s got to do better than I do because I found that difficult to understand. 

‘Sometimes right back, sometimes off the front he can receive on the half turn. 

‘Sounds like he wants a presser, I’m pretty sure he can do that. I don’t see him as a No 10.’

Meanwhile fellow pundit Owen Hargreaves added: ‘I think it’s a massive surprise. Ever United fan will be seeing that and thinking “Mazraoui is a 10?” Maybe he sees something he know Mazraoui from Ajax. 

‘He has experience of playing in midfield. We haven’t seen that. We saw him at Ajax play fullback, left or right. That was probably the more natural one. 

‘He must have something up his sleeve. We can’t see it because we’re not there. Hopefully it goes well but I think it’s a huge shock for everyone.’

Club legend Paul Scholes was less than convinced by the mercurial move

Meanwhile Owen Hargreaves added: ‘I think it’s a massive surprise. Ever United fan will be seeing that and thinking ‘Mazraoui is a 10?’ ‘

United have made a disastrous start to the season and currently lie in 12th place in the Premier League on just 11 points from the opening eight matches. 

Their European form has been no better with the Red Devils having drawn their third-straight Europa League match after Thursday’s draw.