Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana has risked fuelling the scrutiny of his manager, Erik ten Hag, over his team selection in Thursday's 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce. The Dutchman raised eyebrows by calling on right-back Noussair Mazraoui to replace his suspended captain, Bruno Fernandes, for the Europa League clash.
It was widely expected that Amad Diallo would cover - having previous experience in the role - or that Christian Eriksen would operate more ahead of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
However, Ten Hag caused a shock by naming Mazraoui as his most advanced midfielder, joining Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Zirkzee in the attack.
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The 26-year-old was primarily used for his pressing traits and his ability in the half-spaces, which Ten Hag also utilised at Ajax.
But he couldn't contribute to great effect as United failed to win in Europe for a sixth successive game, extending their worst such run of results in 41 years to one victory in 11.
Amad's exclusion served as a prominent source of frustration among supporters after his encouraging performances at the end of last term and during pre-season.
He had a face of thunder on the touchline as he prepared to come on in the 89th minute for the injured Antony, who Ten Hag had opted to replace Marcus Rashford instead of the 22-year-old 16 minutes earlier.
And Onana may attract a second wave of criticism after admitting he wasn't sure whether Mazraoui was comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder in Istanbul.
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"We had Mazraoui as the number 10. I don't know if he wanted to play there, but for the team, you have to take it," the United stopper explained after full-time.
"Casemiro did it a lot of times last season. If I have to play striker, I will do it. For the team, we have to be able to be pragmatic."
Onana continued his impressive individual start to the season with more heroics - most notably leaving Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho in disbelief with an extraordinary first-half double save to deny Youssef En-Nesyri.
However, the result leaves United 21st in the Europa League, having dropped points after leading in their last four away trips in Europe.
Yet, Onana is convinced the Red Devils' fortunes will improve in the coming weeks.
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He added: "To be honest, I don't really think about the saves. All I care about is the victory of the team.
"When we come to such a place, we have to win. Everyone is disappointed with the result. I don't give that much importance to the save.
"We just have to stick together, which we have been doing. We can fight until the end, and I'm sure it will turn - and when it does, we are going to come out with a big smile.
"We are determined to put it right as quickly as possible. We came here to win, and we have to recognise a very good opponent.
"It will turn, if it was not today, it will be maybe in two weeks. But I'm sure it will turn and win games and everyone's going to be happy."
