While Manchester United were defeated by Aston Villa, Noussair Mazraoui and Morocco got off to winning ways in their opening game of AFCON.
AFCON has left Manchester United stripped bare of Ruben Amorim’s ideal right side, and during the 2-1 loss to Villa, it showed.
Leny Yoro was culpable for two Villa goals, failing to stop Morgan Rogers as he cut inside and found the top corner with relative ease.
Who was the Man Utd man of the match in the defeat at Villa?
A positive performance despite the loss… who stood out for you?
If available, this would have been Noussair Mazraoui, with the Moroccan a much better defender right now, as Yoro is still developing.
While this loss was occurring, Mazraoui was helping Morocco to a 2-0 win over Comoros.
Noussair Mazraoui stars for Morocco
AFCON kicked off on Sunday night with hosts Morocco getting things started with a dominant victory over Comoros.
Mazraoui started right back in this one for his nation, playing the entire 90 minutes, and was rated as one of the best players on the pitch for his performance.
HOW much are Manchester United missing Noussair Mazraoui right now?🇲🇦
He's having a great AFCON so far…
Mazraoui assisted the opening goal for Morocco when Brahim Diaz scored. This was one of two chances created by Mazraoui in his 93-touch performance.
Alongside his quality going forward, Mazraoui was solid defensively as he made three tackles, four recoveries, and won five duels.
This performance just shows what United are lacking right now at the back, and why he is such a big miss.
When Noussair Mazraoui could return for Manchester United
United have three players at AFCON, with Mazraoui arguably the one fans were least concerned to see go due to how vital Amad and Bryan Mbeumo are on the right.
But while they won’t play again for United this year, it might not be long until they return.
Amad and Mbeumo are in the same group, which could see one of the two fail to qualify, more likely Cameroon, which is a national team in turmoil.
The group stage ends on December 31st, so the earliest any player will be back is the start of January, but Mazraoui already has one foot in the round of 16.
The round of 16 concludes on January 6th, while the quarter finals then conclude on January 10th.
If United’s players are still involved, the semi-finals are played on January 14th, before the third-placed match is on the 17th, and the final takes place on the 18th.
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