Erik ten Hag experiment embarrassingly backfires as Jose Mourinho steals show on sidelines
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Erik ten Hag's bold decision to play Noussair Mazraoui as Manchester United's No 10 against Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce failed to bear any fruit in another frustrating European night for the Red Devils.
It's been a testing Premier League campaign for United as they find themselves in the bottom half, but the Europa League has been a similar source of frustration.
They suffered a humiliating draw at home to FC Twente last month which was followed by a dramatic 3-3 share of the spoils against Porto.
A red card for Bruno Fernandes against the Portuguese side meant Ten Hag was going to be without his captain for the game away to Fenerbahce on Thursday evening.
Erik ten Hag failed to get one over Jose Mourinho
REUTERS
Christian Eriksen was seen as the more logical choice to deputise as United's central attacking midfielder in place of Fernandes.
But Ten Hag made the surprising decision to name Noussair Mazraoui in the starting line-up as United's No 10, much to the dismay of the club's fanbase.
Paul Scholes was similarly perplexed and couldn't understand why Ten Hag opted to go with Mazraoui.
"I’m confused by it. I even think his explanation of it was confusing... I think Eriksen is perfect for that," Scholes said before the game.
"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."
And Scholes' fears appeared to come true as Mazraoui struggled to make an impact on the game for United.
The full-back often drifted in and out of the game before Ten Hag conceded defeat on his failed experiment and moved him back into defence.
United appeared more put together in midfield once Eriksen moved into the No 10 role, but a clear lack of confidence in the entire squad was evident throughout the match.
Noussair Mazraoui struggled to make an impact in his new role
REUTERS
It was another disjointed display from United as they made it three draws from as many games in Europe.
But it was also a missed opportunity for Ten Hag to get one over former United boss Mourinho, who was sent off in the second half.
The Fenerbahce boss was his usually lively self in the dugout and got into a row with the fourth official over a penalty appeal that went against his side.
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Jose Mourinho was sent off against his former side
REUTERS
The referee immediately branded a red card and ordered him down the tunnel, but Mourinho instead chose to go into the stands.
Despite being sent off, Mourinho was still able to interract with the Fenerbahce bench as he was seen writing notes whilst sat on steps and handing them over to one of his coaches.
The result keeps Fenerbahce above United in the Europa League table after three games.
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