‘I’m confused’ – Paul Scholes baffled by Erik ten Hag’s reasoning for playing Noussair Mazraoui as No.10 against Fenerbahce as Man Utd legend names ‘perfect’ fit for role

Injuries and suspensions forced Ten Hag to make significant adjustments to his squad for the Europa League tie against Fenerbahce on Thursday evening. Bruno Fernandes, a mainstay in the attacking midfield role, was unavailable due to suspension, with eight first team players left out of the 20-man travelling squad due to fitness issues.

In light of these absentees, Ten Hag turned to Mazraoui to fill the attacking midfield position behind Joshua Zirkzee, with Eriksen and Ugarte in deeper roles at the centre of the park. Casemiro was relegated to the bench while Zirkzee replaced Rasmus Hojlund in the striker’s role.

Addressing the surprising line-up changes, Ten Hag spoke to TNT Sports ahead of the match. He reasoned: "We have some injuries and a suspension with Bruno, so we had to be creative. 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."

Ten Hag also hinted at further tactical flexibility, suggesting that Mazraoui's position might change as the game progressed.

"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," he added.

Despite Ten Hag’s reasoning, former United midfielder Scholes was left utterly confused by the decision. Known for his sharp tactical insights, he found the explanation hard to follow and questioned whether Mazraoui could fulfil the demands of a No.10 role, a position typically reserved for creative playmakers.

"I’m confused by it. I even think his explanation of it was confusing... I think Eriksen is perfect for that," Scholes said in his analysis of Ten Hag’s comments. "I hope Mazraoui understands better what he has to do than I do. I found it difficult to understand Ten Hag’s explanation. I don’t see him as a No.10."

Though Mazraoui has shown glimpses of versatility throughout his career, scoring seven goals in his 44 midfield appearances, the decision to use him in such an attacking role still felt like a gamble. With Amad Diallo available on the bench, many expected the young winger to be given a chance in the attacking setup instead.