Maguire as a striker?! Desperate Man Utd make strange tactical switch in search of Europa League goal against Real Sociedad
- Maguire lost starting role earlier this year
- Man Utd needed to win by at least two
- Finished with insufficient 1-0 victory
WHAT HAPPENED? Erik ten Hag needed another goal to finish above Real Sociedad in Group E - and the manager turned to his benched centre-back for attacking support. But Maguire did not get good enough delivery to use his frame to cause problems in the box, with the team inexplicably playing a late corner on the ground rather than hoisting towards his head.
THE REACTION:
Just as it was always meant to be!
Have to say, never thought I’d see a strike partnership of *checks notes* Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Maguire
— Ameé Ruszkai (@ameeruszkai) November 3, 2022
Yeah, we can't believe it either.
Harry Maguire is playing striker..
— Castro1021 (@Castro1021) November 3, 2022
With Anthony Martial injured, there was little else Ten Hag could do.
Ten Hag putting Maguire up front when needing a goal is as clear a message he can make to the Man Utd board about needing a striker in January.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawTel) November 3, 2022
Facts.
Having put Maguire on as a big man up front, not sure short corner in injury-time was the correct move. February football in Europe for @ManUtd. Play a third place CL team, second leg at home. Draw on Monday.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) November 3, 2022
IN A PHOTO:
BIGGER PICTURE: It would have been an incredible moment had Maguire thumped home a late header, and with few tactical options remaining, Ten Hag made a calculated decision. While the Red Devils didn't win their group, they have still advanced to the knockout stage.