Cristiano Ronaldo reunited with a couple of his former Manchester United teammates while on international duty with Portugal this week - finding particular joy in seeing Diogo Dalot once again.
08.03.2023 - 18:47 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has questioned Erik ten Hag's decision to play Marcus Rashford as a central striker following Sunday's 7-0 hammering at the hands of Liverpool.
United, who will be looking to get back on track when they face Real Betis in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Old Trafford on Thursday evening, capitulated in the second half at Anfield, conceding six times without reply. It marked their heaviest defeat in almost a century and left Ten Hag trying to make sense of an unforeseen collapse.
The Reds, who are still third in the Premier League table, had been the better side for long periods in the first half and had carved out the best chances. However, they failed to take them when they came their way.
READ MORE: Erik ten Hag might have discovered his most important player at United
Ten Hag deployed the exact same starting line-up that had beaten Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final a week earlier, but made the decision to move Rashford inside and deploy Bruno Fernandes on the left wing, meaning he was tasked with running at Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
That meant Wout Weghorst dropped deep and started in the attacking-midfield berth. And for former Reds ace Hargreaves, Ten Hag's decision to start Fernandes out wide instead of Rashford cost his team dearly.
"I was surprised that Bruno was on the left wing the whole game," said Hargreaves. "I didn't quite understand that. Weghorst, I don't think he affected the game.
"I thought Trent played magnificent, by the way, as a right-back. But I don't think anybody tested him. I think they should have let Marcus stay on the left-hand side and get after Trent. But it just didn't work. The game plan
Cristiano Ronaldo reunited with a couple of his former Manchester United teammates while on international duty with Portugal this week - finding particular joy in seeing Diogo Dalot once again.
While not many Manchester United fans prefer international football over club football, plenty would agree that the March international break has come at a good time for Erik ten Hag's side given their heavy load of late.
Manchester United booked their second Wembley visit of the season with Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham at Old Trafford.
Southampton manager Ruben Selles expects to see "some rotation" in the Manchester United line-up this weekend with such a short turnaround from Thursday's Europa League game.
Joaquin admission
Real Betis captain Joaquin admitted it will be difficult for the Spanish side to progress to the next round of the Europa League after losing heavily to Manchester United in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
UEFA have explained why Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford 'nominally tops the rankings' in the Europa League scoring charts, despite the England ace being level at the summit.
Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini insisted his side would not give up in their Europa League tie with Manchester United, despite losing 4-1 in the first leg.
Manchester United will be looking to build on Thursday night's Europa League triumph over Real Betis when they welcome Southampton to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Paul Scholes believes Facundo Pellistri has shown why he deserves more minutes on the pitch after yet another exciting cameo on Thursday's win over Real Betis.
Manchester United loanee Amad was keen to praise Reds youngster Facundo Pellistri after his impressive cameo performance in the victory over Real Betis in the Europa League.
Marcus Rashford has spoken of the importance of Manchester United's fans after they showed support for Bruno Fernandes.
Paul Scholes has revealed that he never wants to see Erik ten Hag play Bruno Fernandes on the wing again after the Portugal international put in a stellar showing in his natural central position in Manchester United’s 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis.
Marcus Rashford admitted that Manchester United's players were thrilled for Wout Weghorst after he scored his first Old Trafford goal during Thursday night's 4-1 Europa League win over Real Betis.
Former Manchester United midfielder Kleberson believes that Casemiro's pedigree before moving to Old Trafford stands him in good stead to become a leader at the club.
Here are your latest Manchester United morning headlines on Tuesday, March 7.
Paul Scholes has questioned whether Wout Weghorst has the ability needed to stay on as a Manchester United player beyond his loan spell.
Michael Owen was surprised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag opted to play Marcus Rashford as a central striker in their heavy defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.