Former Premier League referee Graham Poll insists Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has failed to "adapt" his approach following his second sending-off of the season.
23.02.2023 - 23:01 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Erik ten Hag has revealed Wout Weghorst could play a 'different role' for Manchester United against Barcelona.
United drew 2-2 with Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of the Europa League playoff last week. United performed well throughout the contest and Thursday's match at Old Trafford will now decide which side progresses in the competition.
Lisandro Martinez was suspended for the first leg but he's returned to the starting up for the reverse fixture, as expected.
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That was the only change from the side that started against Barcelona last week, with the Argentine resuming his partnership with Raphael Varane, who will be supported by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw in the full-back positions.
Weghorst, who is a natural centre-forward, has played as a No.10 in recent weeks, which initially came as a surprise, and Ten Hag spoke to MUTV ahead of kick-off on Thursday night to discuss what role the loanee would be playing.
When asked about playing Weghorst as a No.10 again, Ten Hag said: "I've known the player for a long time, I saw him play in the youth academy when he was 16 and he was also playing this position [attacking midfield].
"So I knew he understands and you also see, he is a really smart player, so he can play different roles. Also today, he will play a little bit different but again, a really important role."
Ten Hag also praised the versatility of Fernandes, who is expected to start on the right side of the attack. "Bruno is so dynamic, he can play wide, in the midfield, but also vertical and his dynamics we can use to surprise the opponent," he added.
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Lisandro Martinez cannot find the word but actions speak louder than words. He points to the Manchester United badge and pats it.
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