Erik ten Hag 'asked to be sacked' before Manchester United boss was dismissed

Erik ten Hag was "asking to be sacked" when he chose to use Noussair Mazraoui as his No.10 - just days before his axe.

The Moroccan, signed in the summer from as a full-back, was used as the team's main playmaker during their . There had never been any indication that Mazraoui could double up and play in a central attacking role.

As a result the decision bemused the majority who watched on with the 26-year-old unable to provide the attacking spark necessary in their 1-1 draw.

Ten Hag had struggled to get a tune out of his team in the final third and his use of Mazraoui did little to help his cause. In the the Manchester outfit are the second lowest scorers - only newly promoted have done worse in front of goal and Stephen Warnock claims those selection calls do little to inspire.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

He said on Sky Sports: “I look at this guy and they [the players] are not looking at him, they’re not asking for information from him because it seems a bit ad hoc.

“I mean, Mazraoui playing in the 10 the other night, what is that all about? You’re asking to be sacked. You’re playing a left-back or right-back in the No.10 position. It’s bizarre. That’s losing control. That’s losing respect of the changing room.”

Ten Hag claimed that Mazraoui had played as a No 10 during his time at Ajax and that he would have a fluid role within the team. His selection was made all the more bizarre given he played Christian Eriksen, who has long been a playmaker, in a more deeper role.

Paul Scholes said at the time: "I’m confused by it. I even think his explanation of it was confusing... I think Eriksen is perfect for that. I hope Mazraoui understands better what he has to do than I do. I found it difficult to understand Ten Hag’s explanation. I don’t see him as a No.10."

United, following their draw in Turkey, were beaten at on Sunday. That proved to be Ten Hag's final game in charge and he leaves Manchester with the Red Devils languishing in 14th after their worst ever Premier League start. In his final team selection more eyebrows were raised by his decision to, again, leave out summer signing Manuel Ugarte.

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our