Why Wout Weghorst was used in No.10 role, fans think they've seen it before

Erik ten Hag has explained why he used Wout Weghorst in a No.10 role against Barcelona, with fans thinking they've seen it before.

Barca and Manchester United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Europa League play-off first-leg showdown at the Camp Nou.

Ten Hag surprised Man United fans as he employed Weghorst as a No.10, behind the in-form Marcus Rashford, who scored his 22nd goal in all competitions this season.

Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes played on the left and ring respectively, with the Dutch boss believing his plan worked while explaining the tactical reason for the decision.

Wout Weghorst in action for Manchester United. Image: Alamy

Asked about Weghorst adopting a No.10 position and whether his plan worked, Ten Hag replied: "I think so!

"But it’s not only about Wout, although he did well in that position and I know he can be [a number 10]."

Ten Hag also referenced Sancho and Ten Hag in explaining his decision to play Weghorst in a deeper role.

"But it gives us a lot of variation but also I want to bring Jadon [Sancho] and Bruno [Fernandes] coming into half spaces, getting them on the ball and make runs from deep," he added.

"With the full-backs joining in, I think we had a lot of variation and we had a lot of opportunities and we should have won this game."

What's more, Man United fans were quick to compare the towering striker with former player Marouane Fellaini.

One Twitter user wrote: "Weghorst playing the Fellaini role, got a lot of time for that."

A second tweeted: "Fellaini walked so that Weghorst could run."

A third added: "Wout Weghorst playing the Marouane Fellaini role as he did at the weekend. David Moyes was ahead of his time."

"I love seeing Wout Weghorst play as a 10, it really gives me Marouane Fellaini vibes."

The 30-year-old played a similar position in the closing stages of the Leeds United match last weekend.

Will Weghorst continue his No.10 role? Watch this space.