Ruben Amorim gives verdict on Noussair Mazraoui’s best position, Man Utd boss appreciates £12.8m defender

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Noussair Mazraoui has proven to be a screwed bit of business for Manchester United after joining the club from Bayern Munich last summer.

The Morocco international signed for Manchester United in a deal initially worth £12.8 million, after spending two years at Bayern Munich.

Mazraoui, 27, made a name for himself at Ajax after becoming the first academy player Erik ten Hag gave a debut to after taking charge of the Eredivisie side. He spent 10 years in their renowned academy and eventually moved on a free transfer to Bayern in 2022.

Although Mazraoui’s first season at Old Trafford has been a turbulent one, with Ten Hag dismissed at the end of October, the Moroccan has established himself as one of United’s most versatile players. He even played as a No. 10 in the Europa League when the Reds drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce.

Ruben Amorim succeeded Ten Hag and is trying to implement a new system – one that sees Mazraoui best suited to two different roles in defence, including one as a wing-back on either flank. The other is at centre-back where his experience as a top defender shines through.

Despite struggling with injuries during his time at Ajax and Bayern, Mazraoui has made 45 appearances for United across all competitions.

Ruben Amorim reveals Mazraoui’s best position

Footballers like Mazraoui are a blessing to managers because they can play in several different positions.

Mazraoui’s best position is up for debate which has led to United’s head coach discussing where best to utilise his qualities.

During a pre-match interview with club media, Amorim insisted that Mazraoui’s future at United is as a defender rather than being pushed forward in a more attacking role.

“It’s hard to see the best position,” Amorim told ManUtd.com. “His background is like a full-back, in a defence of four.

“So in our way of playing, he can play in different positions. I can see him as one of the defenders in this moment, because of his quality, he can defend.

“He can play one against one, defending, attacking. So I’m seeing him with a future to play as a wing-back and as a centre-back.”

What’s next for Mazraoui?

It’s a big weekend for everyone connected to Manchester United.

The Reds will host Manchester City in the Manchester derby, looking for a repeat of December’s match-up when Mazraoui played in United’s 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Mazraoui enjoyed his first derby as a United player and will be aiming to do the double over City with a win on Sunday evening.

United’s versatile defender is expected to start against Pep Guardiola’s side when Amorim will hope a win takes the team closer to the top half of the Premier League, where City are sitting in fifth place.