Ronaldo’s new strike partner? Criticised defender Maguire tried a new position on Thursday. Fans are enjoying the move immensely

Manchester United had a difficult task on Thursday. If they wanted to finish first in their Europa League group, they had to beat Real Sociedad away by two goals. In order to do that, coach Erik ten Hag decided to make a move that has entertained the fans to this day.

Harry Maguire has lost his place in the defence this season, but on Thursday against Real Sociedad he got an unexpected opportunity in the offensive line. Why? The Red Devils also wanted to finish first in their Europa League group because of the draw. To do that, they needed a two-goal win over Real Sociedad.

The English side took the lead in the 17th minute after a goal from Alejandro Garnacha, but the next goal was not to be. Manchester United’s play was not great either. The Basque team was much more active in terms of shooting. Fortunately for the Red Devils, it wasn’t effective.

In order for Erik ten Hag’s charges to get the desired second goal, the Dutch strategist took an unexpected step. In the 82nd minute, he pulled the scorer of the only goal of the game and sent Maguire into the attacking ranks.

The Englishman lined up in attack alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo has already had various attacking colleagues, playing with Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, Raúl and Karim Benzema. But for Maguire to play alongside him, he probably didn’t expect that.

The fans are having fun, the unexpected move hasn’t been a success

It was potentially a big chance for Maguire. It just didn’t work out. The English defender brought chaos to the pitch rather than any major benefit. And he didn’t get to the ball many times. He won one personal duel and made one accurate pass. Not much of a performance for 12 minutes.

Football fans, however, were really pleased with this move. It gave them a lot of joy. And no wonder. Various collages, videos and reactions began to circulate on the Internet.

Fans used, for example, the legendary video of former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra or the perfectly fitting Hasbull scene.

One of the reactions also recalls the now iconic series District Premiership, in which the popular Ada helps Houslice to win, even though Slavoj only started with seven players.

However, this move did not bring similar joy and fun to Red Devils fans, who have long criticised Maguire. Even the English themselves are sceptical, fearing that national team coach Gareth Southgate might want to use the former Leicester player in a similar way.

Source: Manchester United, Twitter, Sportbible, WhoScored