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Following yet another left-back crisis during pre-season, Manchester United decided that the full-back positions needed upgrading this summer.
Luke Shaw, like last season, has suffered an injury and is expected to remain sidelined till the September international break. Tyrell Malacia, who missed the whole of last season, will only come back in October.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka struggling to impress Erik ten Hag with his attacking prowess, and with a versatile option needed to fill the gaping void, the manager turned to his former Ajax star Noussair Mazraoui.
United agreed a double deal with Bayern Munich for the Moroccan and Matthijs de Ligt, with Wan-Bissaka heading to West Ham before the move.
Mazraoui on leaving Bayern
During an interview with Viaplay (as relayed by Voetbal International), the 26-year-old opened up on his decision to leave the Bavarian giants and how he was always interested in playing in the Premier League at one point in his career.
“I wanted to make a move to another club this summer. When I heard the Manchester United option, I knew I wanted it. That felt good right away, but I had to wait until they had sold Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“You don’t just say goodbye to Bayern, but I was ready for something else. That was due to many things, but I don’t want to talk about that. I always wanted to go to the Premier League, but I knew that I would need to take another step after Ajax.”
The full-back enjoyed a decent debut against Fulham, impressing with his composure and defending and has started both games thus far, starting as the right-back while Diogo Dalot has shifted out to the left.
The United faithful’s appreciation has moved him, while De Ligt’s arrival has also smoothened the adaptation process for the versatile defender.
Easy to adapt
“Luckily, the first impression was good, and that’s how it felt to me too. That’s a relief. Everything is new, and it can easily go wrong. What I really liked is that they can also really appreciate a defensive action, such as a good tackle or a good interception here.
“Together at Ajax, together at Bayern, together at Manchester United. I don’t think many players can say that, no. Yes, that is very special. He has also become a very special boy for me.”
Liverpool, like United, also have a distinct Eredivisie flavour in their playing squad as well as coaching staff. Mazraoui knows them well but that will be put to side at the weekend when the old rivals walk into town.
The game has all the makings of an explosive contest that Ten Hag will hope can kickstart his team’s season just like it did two years ago.
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2024-08-28 22:00:32
