Noussair Mazraoui looks like the most likely next addition for Manchester United, but he is wanted as more than just a right-back.
Over the past few weeks, Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui has emerged as a serious target for Manchester United this summer.
The Moroccan rejected the chance to join West Ham, which has led to the Hammers’ pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Mazraoui is another former Erik ten Hag player and Antony will be delighted to see his arrival.
But now, it’s been suggested that he is viewed as not only a right-back addition but rather a second position could also see him become an option.
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Where Manchester United think Noussair Mazraoui can play
The right-back situation at United seems likely to be resolved shortly, with Thursday seeing reports that Wan-Bissaka had reached personal terms as the clubs looked to finalise a fee.
But Friday sees Fabrizio Romano report that while this happens, United have been in constant contact with Mazraoui to ensure him that he will be signed as soon as Wan-Bissaka is sold.
Interestingly, Romano also adds that while the Morocco international is a right-back first and foremost, he is also viewed as capable of playing at left-back too – if needed – within the club.
If Mazraoui is the only full-back arrival this summer it would be fine by us, with left-back having Harry Amass breaking through right now, and signing a left-back would only get in his way.
Despite United’s belief though, Mazraoui isn’t accomplished at left-back.
Mazraoui’s previous left-back appearances
Mazraoui has only played 10 games total as a left-back in his career, with three coming under Ten Hag. He played twice in this position in the Eredivisie – winning one and losing one.
The third under Ten Hag was during a 2-1 win over Juventus in the Champions League – although he only played for 11 minutes.
For Bayern however, he has been used seven times as a left-back including five times in 2024 alone.
Notably, Bayern lost just one of these seven, which was the Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid. However the first leg was a 2-2 draw and he impressed there, creating two chances, boasting a 93% pass accuracy and winning five duels.
He also started as a left-back during Bayern’s 1-0 win against Arsenal in the quarter-finals last season.
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