During his first few months in charge of Manchester United, boss Ruben Amorim hasn’t been afraid of coming up with out-of-the-box ideas to push the side in the right direction.
His first major call was to unleash Amad Diallo in a wing-back role, seemingly getting the best out of the Ivorian – notching an assist within the first couple of minutes of the clash with Ipswich Town in the manager’s first game at the helm.
Before his injury setback, he notched 11 combined goals and assists under the 40-year-old, with the switch evidently taking his career to the next level at Old Trafford.
He also utilised midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine against Crystal Palace back in February, but such a move wasn’t as successful, with the youngster withdrawn in the 70th minute and unable to get on the scoresheet.
Amorim’s latest switch certainly caught the eye in midweek, nearly having the desired effect, with a future in such a role a possibility given his showing against Nottingham Forest.
Harry Maguire’s stats as a striker against Nottingham Forest
With United a goal down against Nuno Espírito Santo’s men with just two minutes remaining, the manager turned to Harry Maguire to try and get his side out of trouble.
The centre-back caused havoc within the final third after his introduction, registering three efforts on goal despite playing for less than 10 minutes, including stoppage time.
One of his shots was destined to trickle into the back of the net, but Murillo’s goal-line clearance prevented the 32-year-old from getting himself on the scoresheet.
He also managed to win 100% of aerial duels, with his xG of 0.60 higher than that of Rasmus Hojlund’s combined tally from his last nine outings as the Red Devils’s centre-forward.
Had Maguire found the back of the net, it would’ve been a masterstroke from the boss, but his display certainly made him a viable option going forward, with Amorim needing to make a similar bold call with another first-team member.
Amorim could now relocate Man Utd’s “monster”
With just a couple of months until the summer transfer window, the boss doesn’t have long until he can make the additions he wants to help the side climb up the Premier League table in 2025/26.
However, the period between now and then will give him the opportunity to trial run numerous players in new positions to try and get a grasp on what’s needed when the window opens.
Noussair Mazraoui is one player who could swap roles in the next few games, with the Moroccan international previously operating in an unfamiliar role this season.
During the previous reign of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman opted to feature the full-back in a number ten role in the Europa League clash with Fenerbahçe back in October.
Whilst it was seen as a strange move, the 27-year-old, who earns £135k-per-week, managed to produce an admirable display, opening the door to Amorim utilising the defender in a similar role in his 3-4-2-1 system.
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Noussair Mazraoui’s stats against Fenerbahçe at CAM |
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|---|---|
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Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Touches |
64 |
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Passes completed |
39/47 (83%) |
|
Shots on target |
1 |
|
Accurate long balls |
3/4 (75%) |
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Tackles won |
2/4 (50%) |
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Defensive actions |
9 |
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Stats via FotMob |
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Mazraoui, who’s previously been labelled a “monster” by journalist Dylan Penketh, managed to register a total of 64 touches and managed to win 50% of his tackles – having the skillset in both areas to impress.
On the face of it, such a call may seem like an outrageous decision, but given the lack of form from other players in the final third, it may be something which the 40-year-old could implement.
He’s shown he’s not been afraid to make a huge call with players in the past, with Mazraoui operating in a more attacking position, potentially his next role of the dice in the North West.
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