I’ve never seen anything like this! A full-back playing as a playmaker? This is a joke!” – Jay Bothroyd reacts as Noussair Mazraoui starts in the no.10 role for Manchester United against Fenerbahce.

I’ve never seen anything like this! A full-back playing as a playmaker? This is a joke!” – Jay Bothroyd reacts as Noussair Mazraoui starts in the No.10 role for Manchester United against Fenerbahce.

Football fans around the world were left stunned as Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag made an unprecedented tactical move by deploying Noussair Mazraoui, a natural full-back, in the No.10 role for United’s Europa League clash against Fenerbahce. This bold decision sent shockwaves across social media, and it didn’t take long for football pundits to weigh in. Among the loudest voices was former England international Jay Bothroyd, who didn’t hold back in his criticism.

“I’ve never seen anything like this! A full-back playing as a playmaker? This is a joke!” Bothroyd exclaimed during a live broadcast, as the football community reeled in disbelief. Known for his outspoken views, Bothroyd’s comments were echoed by many fans who questioned whether Ten Hag had finally lost his tactical edge. Mazraoui, who’s typically known for his defensive contributions at right-back, looked like an odd choice to lead United’s attack from the No.10 position.

Fans are now fiercely divided. Some are praising Ten Hag for his creativity, calling the decision a masterstroke that could unlock new tactical possibilities. “It’s genius! Mazraoui’s vision and work rate might be exactly what we need in the center!” one fan wrote on Twitter. Others, however, were far less optimistic, fearing this could derail United’s hopes in the competition. “This is insanity! How can you expect a full-back to create chances like Bruno Fernandes?” another fan complained.

As the match unfolded, all eyes were on Mazraoui’s every touch, with pundits and fans alike holding their breath to see if this gamble would pay off. Could this risky tactical switch go down in history as a stroke of genius, or will it be remembered as one of Ten Hag’s biggest mistakes at Manchester United? Only time will tell.
Erik ten Hag’s decision to play Noussair Mazraoui as a No.10 is indeed a surprising move, especially given Mazraoui’s strengths as a full-back. Typically, a player in the No.10 role is expected to have a creative spark, quick vision, and refined passing—qualities that are not always prioritized in full-backs. Ten Hag’s willingness to experiment could be an attempt to find tactical solutions or adapt to certain injury concerns, but it’s a bold risk, considering the impact such an unconventional switch could have on Manchester United’s attacking coherence and fluency.

Bothroyd’s strong reaction reflects a broader sentiment among fans who question the feasibility of Mazraoui fulfilling that role. However, there’s a flip side: Mazraoui’s work rate, defensive awareness, and ability to press could add a unique dynamic in the center. If he succeeds, Ten Hag could be credited with an innovative tactical maneuver; if not, this choice will likely fuel criticism about experimenting at the cost of stability, especially in a high-stakes match.

Regardless, this decision speaks to Ten Hag’s boldness as a manager, willing to step outside conventional roles to surprise opponents and, potentially, to unlock unforeseen tactical options.