Maguire as a striker?! Desperate Man Utd make strange tactical switch in search of Europa League goal against Real Sociedad

• Maguire lost starting role earlier this year
• Man Utd needed to win by at least two
• Finished with insufficient 1-0 victory

WHAT HAPPENED? Erik ten Hag needed another goal to finish above Real Sociedad in Group E - and the manager turned to his benched centre-back for attacking support. But Maguire did not get good enough delivery to use his frame to cause problems in the box, with the team inexplicably playing a late corner on the ground rather than hoisting towards his head.

THE REACTION:

Just as it was always meant to be!

Yeah, we can't believe it either.

With Anthony Martial injured, there was little else Ten Hag could do.

Facts.

IN A PHOTO:

Getty Images

BIGGER PICTURE: It would have been an incredible moment had Maguire thumped home a late header, and with few tactical options remaining, Ten Hag made a calculated decision. While the Red Devils didn't win their group, they have still advanced to the knockout stage.