Manchester United were back to a disappointing reality on Thursday with a 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce.
Erik ten Hag must think himself cursed, considering the form his Manchester United side have had in Europe recently.
For the first time in over 40 years, United have gone six European games without a win—a horrific reflection of the dark moment the club is currently in under Ten Hag’s management.
United’s 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce was a third successive Europa League draw, and this leaves the Red Devils 21st in the league phase and in real danger of embarrassingly crashing out of Europe.
Ten Hag hardly helped himself against the Super Lig giants though as he made some baffling squad selection decisions, with some individual brilliance from United bailing the Dutchman out.
Andre Onana reviews Noussair Mazraoui’s No.10 performance
There was one major decision from Ten Hag which raised eyebrows, that being Noussair Mazraoui being chosen to start in the No.10 position.
Mazraoui in attacking midfield failed to impress United fans, with the experiment viewed as unsuccessful – but Andre Onana has disagreed with fans during his post-match interview for TNT Sports.
“He did a good job for us”, Onana confidently explained after Mourinho endorsed his performance.
“We are very happy with him and very happy with his performance so… I think sometimes we have to be pragmatic. With red cards, with injuries – so sometimes players need to step up and that’s what Mazraoui did.
“It was brilliant for the team because the team needed him there, so yeah I am happy with him.”
Onana backing his teammate is hardly surprising, but it does shed some light on the decision from Ten Hag, with Mazraoui stepping up to fill the needed role as for whatever reason Amad Diallo was ignored.
Erik ten Hag is on thin ice after Amad Diallo snubbing
Noussair Mazraoui replacing Bruno Fernandes was a move very few would have predicted for this game – with there being several options who could have been better.
Christian Eriksen would have been a great pick for the role, allowing a solid midfield paring behind him. Jack Fletcher was another, with a bold decision to utilise the youth one which would be well received by the fanbase.
However, Amad starting as the attacking midfielder was the move everyone wanted to see – and it would have led to a far more exciting performance from United.
Fans are livid and Amad himself looked very angry on the bench and while receiving instructions from Rene Hake – decisions like this are unlikely to help Ten Hag endear himself to supporters once more.
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