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Noussair Mazraoui has promised Manchester United fans that there is a lot more to come from him, even after his excellent start to life at the club.
Mazraoui arrived in the summer from Bayern Munich in a deal worth around an initial £12.8m, with a further £4.3m in potential add-ons.
He put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.
The Moroccan was immediately thrust into the action soon after his transfer, as he was named in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI for the opening match of the Premier League season vs. Fulham. He put in a superb performance on his debut, quickly endearing himself to supporters.
Mazraoui started United’s next three top-flight fixtures against Brighton, Liverpool and Southampton. He also came from the bench as the Red Devils put Barnsley to the sword in a 7-0 thrashing on Tuesday night.
One of the most impressive things about Mazraoui is his incredible technical ability. The 26-year-old has so far demonstrated a near-unmatchable calmness on the ball, even when under pressure from rival players.
He has certainly looked the part both in and out of possession and already, appears to be a shrewd acquisition.
The full-back spoke to club media and said, “I think it’s really tough to come to a new club. With all the responsibilities that come with it.”
“I’d just been training two times with the new players you don’t know [before the Fulham opener]. Well, you know them from TV and that, but not really knowing how to play with them. Playing with how I played, I was really proud of myself but I think Erik [ten Hag] told it already.”
He added, “You can expect more from me because that is just the beginning. I think, when I really start to feel comfortable and I really settle in 100 per cent, it would be even better.”
On how he’s so comfortable on the ball, Mazraoui revealed that it comes from the fact he has played across multiple positions on the pitch throughout his career.
He explained that he has also plied his trade in midfield and even in attack.
“Yeah, I was a midfielder and then, for the second team, I played one season in every position. From left-winger to central defender in the next game. So I’ve played everywhere and that is what really helped me now.”
“Wherever I come onto the pitch, I feel comfortable. I don’t feel like ‘what do I have to do over here?’ I just know what to do with it because I’ve played already in every position so that really helped me a lot.”
Mazraoui told club media that he has made many sacrifices along the way but all of it was worth it as it eventually led to him playing for United.
He mentioned that he always knew he wanted to play in the Premier League but lining up in United colours is a dream for him.
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2024-09-19 18:00:27
