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Man Utd star’s first game under Ruben Amorim makes Erik ten Hag decision look even more bizarre
The first Manchester United game under Ruben Amorim was at least better than the first under Erik ten Hag, who began with a 2-1 loss to Brighton.
Ruben Amorim stays undefeated, even though the 1-1 draw was clearly disappointing and not what Manchester United fans had hoped for.
One of the big talking points before kick-off was Ruben Amorim’s line-up, which had fans and media guessing who would line-up where.
Amorim stuck with his preferred three-at-the-back formation, and due to a lack of centre-back options due to injuries, he selected Noussair Mazraoui at centre-back.
Noussair Mazraoui shines at centre-back
A right-back by trade, Noussair Mazraoui has often filled in at left-back due to need this season. Now he is just showing off, just as capable slotting in a centre-back.
United actually ended the game with two full-backs in the back three, with Luke Shaw making his return, and it’s a role which suited the pair.
Mazraoui was excellent, at times being United’s deepest defender as he dictated possession from the back.
He stood up to the physical test too, despite some crude treatment from Liam Delap, Mazraoui fought his corner.
It was a further sign that United landed an absolute bargain when Mazraoui joined, for an initial fee of just £12.8 million.
Mazraoui was played at number 10
Think about this for a moment; Ruben Amorim’s centre-back against Ipswich was Erik ten Hag’s attacking midfielder against Fenerbahce.
While this speaks to Mazraoui’s versatility, it also speaks to the absolutely ridiculous decision from Ten Hag to select a defender in the number 10 role.
Centre-back or wing-back, it’s unclear where Mazraoui will play most under Ruben Amorim, but we can expect to see a lot of him.
Just don’t ever expect to ever see him in the number 10 role again.
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