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

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • 4 Nov 2022 03:59 CDT
  • 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.

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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.

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.

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