Fans are left baffled as Erik ten Hag throws Harry Maguire upfront during win over Real Sociedad 

Manchester United fans have taken to social media to display their confusion after Harry Maguire was partnered alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the latter stages of the win over Real Sociedad. 

Alejandro Garnacho scored the only goal of the game after 17 minutes to ensure Erik ten Hag’s side rounded off the group stage of the Europa League with victory. 

But the Red Devils had to settle for a second-placed finish, behind Real Sociedad, who topped Group E on goal difference. 

Harry Maguire was put upfront in the latter stages of the win over Real Sociedad on Thursday 

In an attempt to score a second goal and top the group, Maguire was thrown upfront alongside Ronaldo with seven minutes remaining on the clock.  

Robbie Savage, who was on commentary duty for BT Sport said: ‘I never thought I’d ever see Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo playing up front together for Manchester United.’

Former striker Chris Sutton wrote: ‘Love Erik ten Hag bringing the Dutch way to these shores… Big Harry Maguire off the bench and playing centre forward’.

Fans have taken to social media to react to Maguire’s appearance as a striker

Fans have taken to social media to react, with the majority of them seeing the funny side behind Ten Hag’s decision. 

One United fan tweeted: ‘I don’t think any Manchester United fan could of ever predicted that Maguire and Ronaldo would be playing TOGETHER UPFRONT’.

‘Ronaldo has gone from playing with Rooney and Benzema upfront to playing with Maguire upfront’, said another fan. 

A third supporter wrote: ‘Handing in my resignation if Maguire at striker scores before Ronaldo’.

As a result of not topping their group, Manchester United will be involved in a play-off game against a team that has dropped down from the Champions League. 

The draw for the play-off round will be made at 12pm on Monday, November 7 at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.