"This has got to be a troll", "This is madness" - Manchester United fans in disbelief as star starts in unnatural position against Fenerbahce
Manchester United fans have expressed disbelief after the club's starting XI to face Fenerbache was released. The Red Devils are set to clash with the Turkish outfit away in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, October 24.
In a surprise call, manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly decided to deploy Noussair Mazraoui as an attacking midfielder. The Morrocan star primarily plays as a right-back. However, Ten Hag has been forced to do some tinkering in the absence of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is out of the clash after receiving a red card last time out against FC Porto.
Andre Onana starts in goal for the Red Devils. Matthijs de Ligt and Victor Lindelof are the centre-back pairings, while Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez operate as right-back and left-back, respectively.
Mazraoui is partnered in midfield by Christian Eriksen and summer signing Manuel Ugarte. Upfront is the attacking trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and Marcus Rashford.
Fans took to X to react to Manchester United's lineup against Fenerbache. Several fans were shocked to see Mazraoui in the No.10 position.
One fan wrote:
"Bro this has got to be a troll surely."
A second fan added:
"Now this is madness."
"What's going on?" one fan asked.
"What’s that bald fraud cooking," another fan commented, taking a jibe at Erik ten hag.
"This gotta be a prank?" an amused fan chimed in.
It's pertinent to note that Manchester United are yet to record a win in the Europa League this season. After draws with Twente (1-1) and FC Porto (3-3), it's left to be seen if the Red Devils can muster up victory over Jose Mourinho's side.
Manchester United’s poor away record versus Fenerbache
The Red Devils will look to end a poor away record at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium on Thursday. Manchester United has faced Fenerbache thrice away, recording one win and two losses.
Notably, they have lost in their last two away games at Fenerbache. Their last clash was in the 2016-17 season of the UEFA Europa League, where the Turkish side emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. Prior to that, they also clashed during the 2003-04 Champions League season and United fell 3-0 in Turkey.
Erik ten Hag will hope his boys can perform better this time as they seek their first win on the continent this term.
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, have recorded one win and one draw in the Europa League this season. They beat Union Saint-Gilloise 2-1 at home before drawing 1-1 against Twente away. They are 15th in the league stage table.