Noussair Mazraoui: Man United’s true feelings on Morocco blocking star from playing vs. Bournemouth | OneFootball

Manchester United’s true feelings on Morocco’s refusal to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth have been revealed.

Mazraoui misses Bournemouth clash

Mazraoui was not available to Ruben Amorim for selection as United were held to a 4-4 draw by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday evening.

Amad and Casemiro’s goals saw United head into the break 2-1 but Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier struck moments after the restart to flip the game on its head and put Bournemouth into the driving seat.

However, Bruno Fernandes struck a superb free-kick to draw United level before Matheus Cunha made it 4-3, finishing off a brilliant counter-attacking move. Cunha thought he had won the game for United but substitute Eli Junior Kroupi scored in the 84th minute to cap off a chaotic contest.

In Mazraoui’s absence, Leny Yoro was deployed on the right side of Amorim’s preferred three-man defensive unit.

Mazraoui was named in Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. As per FIFA rules, clubs are required to release players heading to the tournament at least seven days before each country’s first game.

The release period began on December 15, which is when the Bournemouth game took place, having been moved to Monday due to TV scheduling reasons.

The Daily Mail report that United are not pleased that Morocco turned down their request for Mazraoui to feature against the Cherries.

United had been in talks with the federations of Morocco, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast for Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad respectively. Mbeumo and Amad started vs. Andoni Iraola’s men.

United’s stance on Morocco after Mazraoui snub

The Mail reveal, “Manchester United have been left disappointed and frustrated after Morocco refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth on Monday.”

“Sources say United feel they’ve been unfairly penalised for the match being switched. Had the fixture been scheduled for Saturday, Mazraoui would have been free to play, with Morocco opening their home Africa Cup of Nations against Comoros on December 21.”

“United pushed for the 28-year-old to remain in Manchester for the game with Bournemouth and escalated the issue to FIFA when Morocco refused.”

It’s understood that FIFA sided with Morocco, leaving the Red Devils helpless.

United are “grateful” to Cameroon and the Ivory Coast for allowing Mbeumo and Amad to play in the dramatic 4-4 draw.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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