Noussair Mazraoui shows promise despite challenging Man Utd start | OneFootball

Manchester United made five major signings this summer to assist Erik ten Hag in restoring the club to its former glory.

The record 20-time English champions entered the summer transfer window having endured their worst Premier League finish, with an unexpected FA Cup success ultimately saving Ten Hag from dismissal.

United’s predominant business ultimately summed up their weakness: signing three defenders and one defensive midfielder. Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt were recruited to bolster Ten Hag’s centre-back options, while Manuel Ugarte should eventually be Man Utd’s first choice protecting their backline.

Yoro unfortunately sustained an injury during pre-season, setting back his official debut, while De Ligt made a first start against Liverpool before the September international break. So far, Noussair Mazraoui has made the biggest impression from United’s newest recruits, and given United’s current predicament, it might not be much to write about; there are some underlying reasons why it’s a long-term investment that could pay dividends.

Having previously worked under Ten Hag at Ajax — the same goes for three other members of United’s defence: goalkeeper Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, and De Ligt — there’s already a familiarity and understanding of the Dutch tactician’s instructions.

On his debut against Fulham, he played a key role in United keeping their only clean sheet to date. So far, playing from right back, Mazraoui has created three chances, one fewer than United’s leaders (Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho). He’s also registered seven touches in the opposition’s box, the most of any United defender, with only five teammates ahead of him. Furthermore, he’s won a team-high seven aerial duels.

As mentioned, Mazraoui and Ten Hag have worked together before, and the aim would be to recreate those performances in England’s top division. In Amsterdam, Mazraoui made his name as a marauding full-back, although he would feature in six positions, ranging from his familiar right-back berth to outings on the left wing as a forward. As for his original position, he has played a few times in the traditional No. 8 role, even more so as a No. 6 anchoring midfield.

Some observers thought that a move to Old Trafford would see Mazraoui reunite with much-maligned winger Antony, with whom he’s forged a telepathic understanding. It’s the rekindling of that successful partnership down United’s right flank that, according to reports, Ten Hag wants to recreate to unlock the Brazilian’s potential.

Mazraoui and Antony played 47 games together during their time at Ajax. Antony managed 13 goals and eight assists when they shared the pitch, while Mazraoui chipped in with three and four of his own. However, they provided one goal contribution: Antony assisted by Mazraoui in Ajax’s 5-0 rout of Vitesse in September 2021.

Antony and Mazraoui have so far shared the pitch for one minute, in a 2-1 loss at Brighton, with the Moroccan international regularly linking up with Diallo or Garnacho on United’s right side. It might not be the prettiest of starts, but it’s worth remembering that Man Utd have a history of defenders struggling early on before coming good.