Noussair Mazraoui has been the “odd man out” during Michael Carrick’s Man Utd renaissance, but he might just have unlocked a new solution.
Michael Carrick has preferred Diogo Dalot over Noussair Mazraoui as his right-back, and a lack of games means there isn’t much need to rotate.
For Mazraoui, it’s a huge come-down from the high of last season when he was “Mr. Reliable” for the team under multiple managers.
However, his latest performances for Morocco show he might be down, but he’s far from out, because he’s just entered contention for a new role at Old Trafford.
With the World Cup now weeks away, which players do you predict will do well at the tournament?
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Noussair Mazraoui can be a solution at left-back for Man Utd
Mazraoui suffers from the same problem for Morocco as he does for United, because in Achraf Hakimi, the African powerhouses have the best right-back in the world.
Therefore, the stints at his natural position are hard to come by for Mazraoui, but unlike at United, he’s made a home for himself at the opposite flank.
Mazraoui regularly starts at left-back for Morocco, where his ball retention and progression skills as an inverted full-back come to the fore.
Now that he isn’t playing for United as regularly, it was a boost for Mazraoui to link up with Morocco, and his performance in a recent 1-1 draw against Ecuador promised a bright future.
Starting at left-back, Mazraoui played the 82 minutes, going about his business with trademark calmness and composure.
His forays at left-back for Morocco have always been impressive, but this time it’s particularly productive, because left-back is arguably the only position that is a bit weak in Carrick’s XI.
Mazraoui is a clear upgrade on Luke Shaw
Left-back might not be Mazraoui’s natural position, but considering Luke Shaw is first-choice there, Carrick must explore alternatives.
Do Manchester United need to replace Luke Shaw this summer?
Or do you trust Harry Amass and Patrick Dorgu going forward👀
Shaw might have emerged as United’s iron man this season in terms of fitness, but it’s coming at the hidden cost of being less dynamic.
The overlapping and ball progression threats have disappeared as Shaw has become a safety-first full-back who just keeps the play ticking.
Carrick needs more from his full-backs, especially if they are not overlapping.
Mazraoui, unlike Shaw, can help with ball progression, and by inverting into central midfield, he can solidify United’s ability to stop transitions.
As it stands, Mazraoui is equally as capable defensively as Shaw, but with better ball progression and stopping transitions ability.
Left-back is the only spot that can be easily upgraded in the current XI. Mazraoui’s performances for Morocco are coming at the perfect time to make that upgrade.
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