How Ten Hag shuffled pack to ruin Barcelona’s anti-Rashford plan with new positions for three Man Utd players
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ERIK TEN HAG ruined Barcelona’s anti-Marcus Rashford plan by shuffling his pack with new positions for THREE Manchester United stars.
And it worked wonders with the fan favourite going on to net his 22nd goal of the season as United drew 2-2 at the Nou Camp.
Dutch tactician Ten Hag found his options limited for tonight’s Europa League battle at the Nou Camp.
Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer were suspended for the crunch clash.
While Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay and Antony were all missing through injury.
However, Ten Hag still pushed through an amazing tactical tweak to dull Barcelona’s senses and get the best from his own forward line.
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Amazingly, 6ft 6in striker Wout Weghorst was deployed a surprise No10, with fans declaring him the “new Marouane Fellaini.”
The Dutchman is usually known for his work as a targetman in the penalty area.
But Ten Hag decided to use Weghorst’s brute strength and aerial prowess so he could win the ball against Barcelona’s midfield pass masters.
The switch was first deployed in last weekend’s 2-0 win at Leeds.
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And it again saw Bruno Fernandes moved to the wing, where he could drift inside to firm up possession while also playing intricate passes to slice through Barca’s backline.
Finally, star man Rashford was moved into the central No9 role despite his starring performances from wide areas this term.
It meant the speedy maestro was able to pick up positions off the shoulder of Jules Kounde.
And it also nullified Barca’s pre-match plan to stick centre-back Ronald Araujo on him.
The Uruguayan was deployed as a right-back to specifically deal with Rashford's runs down the wing.
But Xavi decided not to move away from his own tactical plan and instead stuck Araujo on Jadon Sancho.
United's plan appeared to work well in the first half as both sides went in at 0-0.
However, the Red Devils were caught out five minutes into the second when ex-Chelsea star Marcos Alonso headed past David De Gea.
The defender appeared tearful after his dad passed away last week.
But just minutes later Ten Hag's plan bared fruit as Rashford burst into Barcelona's box before firing across Marc-Andre ter Stegen to equalise.
United then had the ball in the back of the net five minutes later after Rashford's driving cross was turned into his own net by Kounde.
And even a VAR check couldn't deny United their incredible turnaround at the Nou Camp.
But Barca had other plans as they netted an equaliser for 2-2 in the 76th minute.
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Raphinha's cross went flying in untouched before sailing into United's net.
And it has set up a mouth-watering return leg at Old Trafford next week, with both sides showing their determination to qualify.