Ruben Amorim claimed star was the ‘future’ of Man United, last two games have shown why

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Ruben Amorim inherited a Manchester United squad assembled by several different managers when he joined back in November.

There have only been two signings made since Ruben Amorim was appointed as Manchester United head coach.

Both Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven have made strong starts to life in Manchester, with Heaven starring against Arsenal during Sunday’s 1-1 draw in the Premier League.

Amorim warned of a squad overhaul in the summer, with the Portuguese manager honestly telling his players that some will be expected to leave.

Until then, he has had to try and get the best out of an underperforming squad while simultaneously implementing his 3-4-3 style of play.

It has been a tricky first few months under Amorim but some players have taken to his system far better than others.

Noussair Mazraoui is the ‘future’ of Man United

After United beat Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League, Amorim was full of praise for Noussair Mazraoui after he starred in a centre-back role in the back three.

It was extremely high praise as Amorim said Mazraoui could be the “future” of the team due to his football IQ and versatility.

“He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very good one-on-one. He’s a modern player,” Amorim said.

“I think he’s the future of our team. When you think about him you think like we need more players like Nous that can control the tempo, they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball.”

Mazraoui was signed for just £13m in the summer, and it didn’t take long for him to settle in Manchester. Already this season he has played as a full-back, centre-back and wing-back.

Amorim has hinted at a new position for Mazraoui, although it is not quite as extreme as when Erik ten Hag played Mazraoui as a No.10 in the Europa League.

Noussair Mazraoui is proving he is perfect for Ruben Amorim

Amorim tweaked his tactics against Arsenal, instructing his side to sit deep and counter-attack against the Gunners.

It is not the way Amorim wants United to play football, but it was a necessary change given the players available.

Ideally, Amorim will want to play a higher line with more control of possession. To do that, he will need more players like Mazraoui – athletic, intelligent and calm on the ball. They are all qualities he has shown this season, and especially in the last two games.

Against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, Mazraoui played on the left side of the back three, where he put in a wonderful defensive display.

Mazraoui won eight duels, made five clearances and won three tackles playing at centre-back. He was also composed on the ball, completing 86% of his 42 attempted passes.

Then on Sunday, Mazraoui impressed against Arsenal when he returned to playing right wing-back. Not only was he solid defensively, but he also linked up brilliantly with Alejandro Garnacho on the right side of attack.

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Mazraoui made three key passes, created one big chance and came close to scoring when Diogo Dalot redeemed himself with a well-placed cross in the second half.

While others are struggling to adapt to Amorim’s instructions, Mazraoui has proven he is capable of thriving in several different positions. A dream player for Amorim and his long-term plans.