Erik ten Hag explains why Wout Weghorst played against Barcelona as the “number 10” player

By | Nandini Sharma 20 Feb, 2023

Currently serving as the manager of a Premier League club Dutch professional soccer trainer and former player Erik ten Hag has clarified that the decision to play Wout Weghorst in a deeper “number 10” position against Barcelona was made to create more room for other players. Weghorst, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo after he left in November, was brought in last month and has regularly led the group as a “position 9.”

Manchester United officially gave a statement “It’s not only about Wout, but he did well in that position. It gives a lot of variation but I also want Jadon and Bruno getting in the half spaces and get them on the ball and also make runs from deep. With the full-backs joining in, we had a lot of chances and a lot of opportunities and we should have won this game.”

Erik ten Hag discusses the reasons behind the position shift

During his previous interview, Erik ten Hag stated “I was a little bit disappointed that at half-time it was 0-0 because we should have scored and the opportunities they had, we created ourselves,” he added “But I think it was a great game. Two attacking teams. I think it was a Champions League game, even more than that, so I enjoyed the game. In the end…2-2 and we have to finish it in Old Trafford.”

Additionally, he said “Then we turn around when are down, and I also think the refereeing had a big influence in this game. I think it’s a clear foul on Rashford. You can discuss if it’s in or outside the box, but then it’s a red card because he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper. It’s a big influence, not only on this game but in this round, and referees can’t make such mistakes.”