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Manchester United officials consider Noussair Mazraoui one of the club’s “strongest signings” in recent years as the 27-year-old fullback continues his fine form under new head coach Ruben Amorim.
Signed in the summer to replace Aaron Wan-Bisska, Mazraoui swapped Munich for Manchester to reunite with Erik ten Hag after their shared time at Ajax, joining the Red Devils in a joint move with fellow defender Matthijs de Ligt.
And while Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end last month following United’s dismal start to the new campaign under the Dutchman, Mazraoui was a rare bright spot amidst a sea of underperformance by his teammates.
The Moroccan international’s technical ability and positional versatility has seen his £12.8 million transfer fee prove a pittance, a recruiting rarity for the Red Devils in recent years given the enormous sums spent on players who have consistently failed to justify their purchase.
And Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports Germany) reveals Mazraoui is “internally regarded” as a fantastic piece of business by Old Trafford officials who are “extremely satisfied” with his performances this season.
Tweet: “Noussair #Mazraoui is internally regarded as one of the strongest signings of recent years at
@ManUtd.
Both the board and the coaching staff are extremely satisfied with his performances. He is seen as an absolute leader and is expected to continue in this role under Ruben #Amorim in the future. Contract until 2028.”
Mazraoui has been deployed in an unfamiliar RCB in Amorim’s new 3-4-3 system. But the Moroccan’s assured displays in both of the 39-year-old’s opening games – against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League – have proven positions mean little to player with his quality and experience.
Mazraoui is seen as an “absolute leader” within the Old Trafford dressing room, with Amorim already recognising the 27-year-old’s talents. “He is so smart and is so important for us. He can play anywhere and that kind of player is crucial for our future,” United’s head coach eulogised after the 1-1 draw with Ipswich.
The Moroccan is capable of playing virtually anywhere in defence, having played in either fullback positions this season, as well as central defence, and even in midfield.
Wherever he is deployed, Mazraoui offers intelligence in and out of possession and has adapted to the physical rigours of English football with ease.
The 27-year-old was one of the only players to impress under Ten Hag this season. But he’s gone to another level in the early period of Amorim’s reign, immediately establishing himself as one of the first names on the 39-year-old’s team sheet.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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