Erik ten Hag’s explanation for playing Noussair Mazraoui as Man Utd no.10 leaves Paul Scholes speechless

United legend Paul Scholes couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Erik ten Hag’s strange explanation for playing Noussair Mazraoui as the number 10 for Manchester United’s Europa League clash has left Paul Scholes lost for words.

United face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in a exciting must-win Europa League clash for Ten Hag on Thursday night.

Ahead of the match, it was revealed that Ten Hag had made a bold change to the starting lineup, benching captain Bruno Fernandes and instead playing Mazraoui as the 10.

And now, the Dutch manager has explained the shock change to the lineup, and the reason has left club legend Scholes completely speechless.

When asked about the change to the lineup, Ten Hag told TNT Sports: “We bring Nous Mazraoui in the 10 position, I know from Ajax that sometimes I played him there.

“As a full-back in our system he’s playing in the half spaces, so he is capable of doing this job. He can bring good pressing.”

But this reason wasn’t enough for Scholes, who couldn’t believe what he was hearing, saying: “I’m confused by it. I even think his explanation of it was confusing… I think Eriksen is perfect for that.

“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 number 10.”

Mazraoui was signed by United during the summer transfer window as part of rebuild in defence that also saw Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro join the club.

The 26-year-old has primarily played as right-back since coming to United, and Thursday night will be the first time that he has played in midfield for his new team.

Noussair Mazraoui joined Manchester United over the summer for a fee of €42.50m. (Image: Getty)
Noussair Mazraoui joined Manchester United over the summer for a fee of €42.50m. (Image: Getty)

Scholes also criticised Ten Hag for benching young striker Rasmus Hojlund and instead handing a rare start to new signing Joshua Zirkzee.

“Why the manager is thinking about Sunday, I don’t know. You need to win games now. They’re 25th in the Europa League, they’re getting relegated from that. They need to win games quickly,” added the pundit.

After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, where they have won just three games from eight, United travel to London Stadium on Sunday to face West Ham United.