Aheed Abrar
Erik ten Hag pleased with Manchester United forward Wout Weghorst as number 10
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was pleased with the team’s performances after deploying Wout Weghorst in the number 10 position.
The Holland international started the game as an attacking midfielder against Barcelona in the Europa League. The Red Devils visited the Blaugrana on Thursday (16 February) and the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Speaking after the enthralling match via Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag believes switching the 30-year-old’s position worked against the Spanish giants.
“It’s more tactical but also to get some other players in good positions in the whole front three; Bruno, Rashy and Jadon. But also to get a good press on and I think the plan worked well.”
With the Burnley loanee playing as an attacking midfielder, Marcus Rashford was tasked with leading the line. Bruno Fernandes, who is usually deployed in the playmaking role, played on the right-hand side of the midfield, with Jadon Sancho on the left.
In the 2-0 win over Leeds United in the Premier League, the gaffer opted for a similar tactic. At around the hour mark, Weghorst played behind Rashford. In the end, the 25-year-old broke the deadlock against the Peacocks.
The England international has turned into Man United’s talisman in the current campaign. He has shouldered the burden of our attack under Ten Hag.
In January, the Red Devils opted to sign the Holland international on a temporary move for the rest of the season. With Anthony Martial sidelined, the former Wolfsburg striker has had to play considerable minutes.
For the Old Trafford side, the 30-year-old has contributed to just one goal and one assist in nine appearances in all competitions. But he has brought industry to the forward line with an admirable work rate.
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While Weghorst leaves a lot to be desired in terms of his quality in front of goal, the striker’s effort cannot be faulted. Rashford looked good against Barcelona, scoring the equaliser and then creating the goal to give Man United the lead. Will the gaffer opt for a similar system in the coming fixtures? Only time will tell.
