Manchester United summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has singled out one “very special boy” after he left Bayern Munich and arrived at Old Trafford.
Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt both signed for Manchester United this month after completing a move away from German club Bayern Munich.
United agreed a deal worth nearly £60m to sign Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, with the former Bayern Munich duo reunited with United manager Erik ten Hag.
Erik ten Hag previously managed both De Ligt and Mazraoui at Ajax, with the two United defenders enjoying superb spells at the Dutch side.
Mazraoui has already made his presence felt at Old Trafford after making his debut against Fulham and impressing with his performance in the Premier League clash.
The 26-year-old United full-back retained his place in the starting XI for the 2-1 defeat to Brighton last week, despite picking up his first assist for the Red Devils.
Mazraoui, who can be deployed as a full-back on either flank, has been playing out on the right for United while Diogo Dalot has served as a makeshift left-back.
Mazraoui on Man Utd transfer
Noussair Mazraoui was heavily linked with West Ham this summer after the Hammers agreed a fee to sign him from Bayern Munich.
However, a move to the Hammers failed to materialise after the deal collapsed and United instead swooped in for the Morocco international.
Mazraoui’s move to Old Trafford was initially held up by United’s need to offload former Red Devils right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka this summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka left United this month and completed a switch to West Ham, which opened the door for Mazraoui’s arrival at the Red Devils.
Speaking to Viaplay, Mazraoui insisted that he “knew” that he wanted the move to United after he heard that the Red Devils were an “option” for him.
“I wanted to make a move to another club this summer,” he said, as per Voetbal International.
“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.”
Mazraoui on ‘special’ Man Utd talent
Matthijs de Ligt has not made his first start for United, with the former Bayern Munich star making two appearances off the bench so far.
The 25-year-old Netherlands centre-back made brief second-half cameos in the 1-0 defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford and the 2-1 loss to Brighton at the Amex.
Mazraoui has admitted that he holds a close relationship with De Ligt after the pair played together at Ajax, Bayern and United.
“Luckily, the first impression was good, and that’s how it felt to me, too,” he said.
“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.”
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