Noussair Mazraoui was once again asked to play a new position during Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim faced a big selection headache at centre-back ahead of Manchester United’s trip to The Emirates.
Lisandro Martinez was suspended for the match, while Luke Shaw revealed a new injury on the eve of the clash. Victor Lindelof is also out injured while Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro could only play limited minutes after returning from injury recently.
As a result, it was summer signing Noussair Mazraoui who started on the left of a back three against Arsenal. Mazraoui has impressed at centre-back under Amorim but he had previously been deployed on the right side of the three.
Up against Bukayo Saka, Noussair Mazraoui coped well and United kept Arsenal quiet during open play. Set pieces proved to be the difference with the Gunners scoring from two second-half corners.
Noussair Mazraoui ‘unsure’ about Ruben Amorim instruction
Amorim has pointed out that United currently have more games than training sessions amid a hectic winter schedule.
It means players are having to learn on the job, especially when played in new positions like Mazraoui was on Wednesday night.
The Athletic pinpointed one moment during the 2-0 defeat where Mazraoui seemed “unsure” of what Amorim instructed him to do from the sidelines.
They spotted that Amorim “implored” Mazraoui to “squeeze up onto Martin Odegaard when Arsenal had possession”.
Odegaard was playing in a midfield trio for Arsenal and is often their main creative outlet.
Mazraoui reportedly “seemed unsure it was the best course of action” as he repeatedly looked over to the dugout for instructions.
Three things Ruben Amorim got right vs Arsenal
Despite suffering his first defeat as United boss, there were plenty of positives from the 2-0 defeat in North London.
In a short period of time, Amorim was able to set United up to stifle Arsenal in open play. They went toe-to-toe with the Gunners but were ultimately undone by two set pieces.
Amorim’s decision to play Mazraoui on the left was a success, with the £13m signing able to support Tyrell Malacia in handling Saka’s threat out wide.
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Manuel Ugarte was superb in midfield, and Amorim got the balance spot on with Bruno Fernandes playing alongside him in a double pivot.
Finally, Amorim’s in-game management was impressive and his rotation policy is working well. Leny Yoro thrived on his debut while Harry Maguire also made an impactful return to the starting lineup.
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