Harry Maguire: Hilarious footage of Manchester United defender playing as makeshift striker spotted

• Manchester United centre-back was spotted playing as a striker for his club during their Europa League League clash at Real Sociedad
• The defender formed a two-man partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo as United were searching for a crucial goal
• However, they could only win 1-0, meaning they will have to go through the playoffs in the competition

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was deployed in an unfamiliar striker role during Manchester United's Europa League encounter at Real Sociedad.

The Red Devils needed to win by two goals to ensure they go through as group winners, but they fell short, winning just 1-0 and having to settle for a place in the playoffs.

As United were chasing a goal, Real Sociedad were packed in their box in a low block which the visitors failed to penetrate. They resorted to crosses from deep, hoping the tallest players would get something on it.

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According to Sky Sports, youngster Alejandro Garnacho scored a brilliant 17th-minute goal, forcing the hosts to defend their top spot in the group.

Maguire plays as striker

As Sociedad dropped deeper, Erik ten Hag resorted to his 'Plan B', and it was hilarious.

The Dutchman took off Christian Eriksen and Garnacho, with Fred and Maguire coming on for the two in the 82nd minute, according to Sportbible.

Although one would normally think that the towering defender would go straight to defence, he went up top to support Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 6ft 4in defender wreaked absolute havoc as a makeshift striker, and a goal to cap it off would cause a meltdown.

United players tried to find the defender with long passes. Although most of them did it didn't result into anything.

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Erik ten Hag said having the defender up top was the only option.

"We needed the goal and then we went more opportune. "With Cristiano and Harry Maguire, you have two good headers and we tried to go more direct into the box and I think we did several times, quicker to get into the box for the opponent."

Sports Brief earlier reported on England manager Gareth Southgate strongly backing Harry Maguire, who endured a terrible start to the season.

Southgate has full faith in him and he will still be at the heart of the Three Lions’ defence in Qatar.

"Why do we pick him? Because he’s one of the players who gives us the best chance of winning.”