Michael Carrick knows Man Utd need to do a lot more work in the transfer window, but one priority has already been solved without a fee.
There is palpable panic among Man Utd fans after the club failed to land their first and second-choice midfield targets.
Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes joined their Premier League rivals, while Man Utd wait for Ederson to sign after the World Cup.
However, the tournament has thrown up an unexpected solution to Michael Carrick’s transfer priority at Old Trafford via a player already at the club.
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Noussair Mazraoui’s LB displays require Man Utd rethink
Noussair Mazraoui has shaken off his struggles at Man Utd last season to emerge as Morocco’s “Mr Dependable” in this World Cup.
He is yet to have a poor game at the tournament, which is remarkable, considering he has come up against some truly elite teams.
What makes it even more appreciable is that he’s done all this while playing in a position that doesn’t come naturally to him.
As Achraf Hakimi has the RB spot locked down, Mazraoui plays as a defensive left-back, who is tasked with tucking inside and forming a back three when Morocco are in possession.
It allows Hakimi to fly forward and contribute to the attack, while Mazraoui keeps the backline secure and circulates possession with his technical excellence.
Mazraoui’s excellence in this role requires a rethink from Man Utd, because in an ideal world, that is exactly what Carrick wants from one of his full-backs.
Michael Carrick already has his LB in Mazraoui
United have been looking to strengthen their left side with either a left-back or a left-winger, but after Patrick Dorgu’s renaissance as a winger, a left-back looked more likely.
How far will Noussair Mazraoui’s Morocco go at World Cup 2026?
Lewis Hall was linked, but after seeing Mazraoui’s performances at the World Cup, Carrick needs to go all-in on continuing this at the club level.
Carrick’s style of play consists of a lopsided full-back, where one full-back tucks inside and forms a back three, while the other bombs forward to create a 3-2-5 in possession.
Mazraoui is also unlike any other left-back at the club, as both Luke Shaw and (potentially) Harry Amass are traditional overlapping full-backs.
It gives Carrick tactical options where he can switch between having his left-back bomb down or his right-back, depending upon the opposition’s weak spot.
It’s becoming clearer with every game at the World Cup that United don’t need a new left-back. Mazraoui provides something unique to this position.
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