Man Utd fans react to Maguire’s No.9 role: Ten Hag told him to defend the other goal!

Robin Bairner

4 Nov 2022 08:59 GMT
6 min read

Harry Maguire, Man Utd, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Manchester United’s Europa League campaign ended with the incredible sight of Harry Maguire playing up front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo as Erik ten Hag desperately sought a way for his team to finish top of the group.

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A 1-0 victory meant that the Red Devils had to settle for second, with the manager’s lack of options in attack brought into stark focus by his decision to field the England centre-back in an unusual position.

Maguire has been struggling for game time in defence this season, so the decision to field him in attack as Man Utd went all-out for a larger victory was greeted with some bewilderment from supporters, many of whom offered a sarcastic response to the decision.

MORE: Ronaldo to Garnacho is a glimpse of the future for Man Utd

Harry Maguire leading the line with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Never thought we'd be writing that.
— The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) November 3, 2022

Harry Maguire is playing striker..
— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) November 3, 2022

Harry Maguire up top, my man ten Hag been on FIFA during this out of position promo obviously 😂😭
— 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 🔰 (@CantonasCoIIar) November 3, 2022

I will never thought in my weirdest dream that Erik Ten Hag will bring in Harry Maguire and play him as a striker upfront.

ETH has found a new position for Harry Maguire going forward. 😉 pic.twitter.com/M83u4CUqjb
— Temitope (@IamTopsy4real) November 4, 2022

Lol flasshback to fellaini era
— Andy (@xdyrarara) November 3, 2022

Mikel Arteta plays Ben White a CB as a RB and Tomiyasu a RB as a LB. Erik Ten Hag goes the extra mile and plays Harry Maguire a CB as a striker. 😂
— WelBeast (@WelBeast) November 3, 2022

Me and the boys turning up for this Harry Maguire Golden Boot at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/Lp7OyDVUZn
— A D 🛑🔰 (@UtdDefence) November 3, 2022

Bring on the competition between Harry Maguire and Erling Haaland. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/ma3pwGfSGr
— 𝐕𝐀𝐑 🌴 (@Ziyechman) November 3, 2022

There was also some sympathy shown for Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains stuck on three goals for the campaign, having spent much of the season on the bench to date.

Messi plays with Mbappe and Neymar up front. Ronaldo plays with Harry Maguire. That's the difference
— Filipe Orlando (@MrFilipeOrlando) November 3, 2022

How do i tell my kids that i watched Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo play upfront together
— Ace🥤 (@speeds_c) November 3, 2022

How will I explain to My grand children that ETH decided to partner Ronaldo and Harry Maguire as Man United striking force when they really needed an extra goal to avoid unnecessary Europa league playoffs. pic.twitter.com/DpqZZCbhhe
— Jogoo la Shamba Mjini (@JMariotz) November 4, 2022

Man Utd face a double header against Aston Villa over the course of the next week in the Premier League and EFL Cup before finishing up for the World Cup break with a trip to Fulham. Maguire, meanwhile, is expected to fulfil his usual defensive duties in these games.