Man Utd get Noussair Mazraoui boost ahead of Southampton clash, new signing set for key role

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Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui may have had the perfect international break for Morocco.

International breaks can be a nightmare for clubs amid potential injury risks. Manchester United have previously seen Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial suffer problems playing for France. And in a more current example, Arsenal saw Martin Odegaard suffer an injury for Norway this week.

That’s why the best outcome is to not play at all. Marcus Rashford is getting a complete rest over to break.

Noussair Mazraoui was halfway there. His international break has ended up working out almost perfectly.

• READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back

Noussair Mazraoui rested

Noussair Mazraoui started Morocco’s game against Gabon last Friday and produced another excellent performance in their 4-1 win.

He won 100 per cent of his tackles (4/4) and completed 92 per cent of his passes, in another typically well-rounded performance.

Last night when Morocco took on Lesotho in another African Nations Cup qualifier, Mazraoui was rested entirely.

Mazraoui stayed on the bench in Morocco’s 1-0 win, an extra 90 minutes rest for him, with Achraf Hakimi getting the start.

This was ideal news for Manchester United, who need a fully fit and rested Mazraoui ahead of this weekend’s game with Southampton.

Mazraoui had a mixed injury record at Bayern Munich, so having him sit out Morocco’s second game really was ideal.

Luke Shaw status still unclear

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw suffered an injury last month which was expected to keep him out until after the international break.

There is no current update on Shaw’s status, meaning Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot will continue to split the full-back roles between them.

Dalot’s international break is also over. He was a substitute in Portugal’s second match, coming off the bench against Scotland – but getting a little more rest than he could have done.

Mazraoui is now on his way back to Manchester, to gear up for another key role when the Red Devils fains the Saints this weekend.