Manchester United’s Latest Target: Noussair Mazraoui

It’s the transfer window, which means that transfers are all that the reader will hear about until August 15th. While many are discussing the transfer rumours concerning Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, today’s focus will be on Germany – more specifically, Bavaria. 

Bayern Munich is looking to strengthen their squad – which also necessitates a couple of sales. Recently, Bayern is reportedly looking to move on from two players: Kingsley Coman and Noussair Mazraoui. 

The focus here is on the latter, who has been linked with Manchester United. How good of a fit would he be, and what can be expected from the Moroccan full-back? 

Bayern Munich Is Looking To Move On After Two Years

It has only been two years since Mazraoui signed for the Bavarian giants, but it looks like this could be his last year in the Bavarian capital. 

Bayern has heavily invested in the past seasons – they brought Harry Kane to the Allianz Arena last year, a justified purchase as he became Europe’s top scorer in domestic leagues. 

However, this was not enough to secure the Bundesliga trophy, as Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen took the trophy home, and Thomas Tuchel is no longer Bayern Munich’s head coach.

With the surprising arrival of Vincent Kompany, Bayern has tried to be as welcoming as possible, securing important deals like the signing of João Palhinha from Fulham. 

This transfer says a lot, as there was an attempt the previous year, but the deal fell through in the last minutes. Munich decided to learn from that experience and ensure it wouldn’t happen again.

Bayern Needs To Balance The Books

Bayern made more deals, bringing in talents such as Michael Olise, Bryan Zaragoza, and Nestoy Irankunda. To balance the books, it comes as no surprise that sacrifices need to be made. One of them, as previously mentioned, is none other than full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

In 2022, Bayern Munich acquired Mazraoui from Ajax. He grew up in Ajax’s academy, although he was not highly valued in his late teen years. His creative spirit secured him a spot in the first team, and soon enough, he became a sensation as a starter. 

One would assume that based on this description, Mazraoui would have an excellent time at Bayern Munich, particularly taking into account that he has been coached by Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, both known for their methodical approach to the game.

Unfortunately, history often tends to be cruel, resulting in Mazraoui’s fitness and lack of availability being persistent problems throughout his two years at the Allianz Arena. 

There is no doubt that Bayern would love to keep the player – after all, Bayern wasn’t the only club vying for his services – but his injuries explain why the Bavarians are looking to move on, especially as they need to balance the books.

Manchester United Is Looking For A Right-Back

Bayern Munich can be happy because it just so happens that Manchester United is looking for a right-back. 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contract has only one year remaining, and the only other right-back regularly playing for the first team is Diogo Dalot. It’s only natural that the Red Devils are exploring opportunities in the market: Mazraoui would come at a perfect time.

Curiously enough, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a transfer that wasn’t welcomed by all since his arrival in Manchester due to his lack of skill on the ball. This is an area where Mazraoui excels, making him an attractive option for United.

It’s no surprise considering that the Moroccan defender developed in Ajax’s systems – well-known for its possession-based play where players must be creative. Mazraoui is no different and ranks among the top in Europe for creative metrics at his position.  

Both Ajax and Bayern Munich have witnessed his spark of creativity from deep, deep, sometimes even acting as an auxiliary attacker.

Another Ajax Player Wanted By Erik ten Hag

Erik Ten Hag is still at Manchester United – which means that the influx of players who previously played under his guidance won’t stop. Between Anthony and Donny van de Beek, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Erik ten Hag bring Noussair Mazraoui to Manchester as the next transfer. 

Sources close to the Dutch manager claim that Erik ten Hag believes Mazraoui would form a great duo with Anthony, who has had a disappointing campaign since arriving at Old Trafford.

Mazraoui would be a clear upgrade to Diego Dalot, who, while decent, cannot match Mazraoui’s creative abilities. Additionally, Mazraoui’s versatility would allow Ten Hag to deploy him as a left-back if Luke Shaw were injured or needed rest. 

Mazraoui has played in both positions during his stint at Bayern Munich and he was Bayern’s best option in the two positions throughout his two years there. This versatility offers Manchester United a two-in-one deal, which is highly valuable as the club looks to make other signings.

So far, the club has only been linked with an attacker (Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna), but no midfielder has been signed. It’s believed that Mazraoui wouldn’t come at a high price, potentially allowing the club to still strengthen their midfield, where they lack a top-class defensive midfielder.

Mazraoui Is Needed And A Clear Upgrade For Manchester United

While Mazraoui is usually remembered for his qualities in the front – passing, creativity, and dribbles – it should not be forgotten that he’s also defensively adept. 

This is precisely where he comes as an upgrade to Diego Dalot; Mazraoui is among the best in his position defensively, focused and effective without the ball. This was evident with Morocco, where the team doesn’t necessarily play a possession-dominant system.

Mazraoui is also athletically impressive. This isn’t always a given for full-backs, but they are a complete package if they can outpace their opponents. 

The Moroccan might not be a physical phenomenon comparable to Alphonso Davies or Alejandro Balde, but he frequently leaves defenders behind as he drives forward with the ball. His movements are precise, often leading to counter-attacks or attractive attacking positions.

Mazraoui comes as the perfect profile for Manchester United – fast, precise, and technical. Players like the Moroccan would allow Erik Ten Hag’s team to sustain pressure, with more players from the back helping the team to sustain a calmer and more controlled style of football.

The only downside to Mazraoui is his injury history. Manchester United is the place where many players get injured – with some fans blaming Erik ten Hag’s staff for it. Last year was a disaster in that matter, and the club will hope that history won’t repeat itself. 

On his day, fully fit, Mazraoui is one of the best fits Manchester United could find, and he’s a player Bayern Munich would be willing to sell. From the players’ side, it’s unclear whether he would be open to the move, but he would likely accept the offer at the prospect of Premier League football and reuniting with Erik ten Hag.