Former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, now at the helm of Roma, has given an insight into his tactical analysis after coming up against Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, the formidable duo he previously encountered during his Italian tenure. With both forwards bringing distinct styles to the game, Mourinho's experience with Bologna and Atalanta was indispensable.
Mourinho, aware of Noussair Mazraoui's skills in a more advanced role thanks to a tip-off from fellow Moroccan Sofyan Amrabat, had to anticipate which striker Erik ten Hag would deploy upfront against Fenerbahce; Zirkzee or the on-form Hojlund.
Despite Hojlund impressing with two goals in three matches following a restful international break and scoring a vital goal against Brentford, Zirkzee got the nod for his first start in almost a month.
The decision came as a surprise with the Dutch forward's lacklusture tally of one goal in 12 appearances, a stark contrast to his teammate's recent performances. In his press conference, Mourinho couldn't ignore the difference in how Zirkzee and Hojlund approach their game.
United's tactician Erik ten Hag chose caution over aggression, deciding against opening the match with four strikers, a move Mourinho might have interpreted as a slight nod of respect. However, the Portuguese coach took a pragmatic view towards Uniteds Champions League prospects: "Look, honestly, I know that in your mind they have three points," Mourinho said.
"They had two, they have three. But I think in this eight-match format, if they win two matches, they have nine points and there are five matches to play. They will not win two matches out of the five. They will win more. So they will qualify.
"So I think the point for them is a positive point. The same way in Porto a point is a positive point. Because we are a good team, it's difficult to play here. Porto is the same.
"And I think he (Ten Hag) tried. I think I know what he tried. My only doubt was Zirkzee or Hojlund, the difference of these two players. I know both very well because both played in Italy on my time.
"I think what they tried with Zirkzee was to see if I was going to press Zirkzee when Zirkzee drops in between the lines. If I don't go, they have one extra player in there. If I go, they try and create space for (Alejandro) Garnacho and (Marcus) Rashford to attack diagonals. So we had to choose. Then when he comes with Hojlund, he tries to attack the spaces more. So I think strategically, he was good.
"And the situation with Mazraoui, maybe for you it was a big surprise. For us it was not because Amrabat told me Mazraoui can play in this position. He did a lot with Ten Hag in Ajax. He has the qualities - he is not Bruno - but in terms of the legs to press with a striker, the two centre backs, he has the legs to do it.
"So I think they did pretty well. And then in the last part of the game, they were pragmatic, they were not taking risks. I finished the game with three fresh players in attack to see if they would come a little bit desperate for the result. They never did it. So I think they are pretty happy with a point. If they win the next match, they have six. So I think they did well.
"Look, if before the game somebody tells me a draw against Manchester United, I say good result. Now you tell me are you happy with the result? I say I am not happy. So I think we did well and the point for them is a positive point."
