Erik ten Hag has been handed a golden opportunity to reignite his interest in Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui.
According to The Mirror, Ten Hag wanted to acquire the defender as one of his first signings at Old Trafford last summer, having spent five years managing Mazraoui throughout their time together at Ajax.
The Moroccan was seemingly unwilling to make the switch with his manager to England and instead sought the lucrative prospect of Champions League football being offered by Bayern, with whom he eventually signed as a free agent.
Things haven’t been plain sailing since moving to the Bundesliga giants though; injuries and competition at right-back have seen Mazraoui fall down the pecking order and consequently be awarded limited game time. Mazraoui has started just six league games this season and has made only 11 starts across all competitions.
He almost completed a January loan switch to Barcelona in the winter transfer window but a deal failed to materialise.
The 25-year-old has opened up about his ongoing frustrations at Bayern and recently told BILD (via Fabrizio Romano): “I feel forgotten. The situation is disappointing. I’m no longer second or third option in my position – but third or fourth.
“If the situation stays like this, that’s not what I want and not what I deserve. I’ll fight, then we will see.”
Could Ten Hag pursue Mazraoui again?
Ten Hag has been in the market for a right-back since he arrived in Manchester and had plans to bring one in if Aaron Wan-Bissaka left in the summer. When a suitable offer never came in for the Englishman, the manager’s plans were put on hold.
United have recently been in contact with Jeremie Frimpong’s representatives, so their pursuit of the Dutchman may heat up as the opening of the transfer window draws closer.
If Bayer Leverkusen’s price is set too high though, Ten Hag may turn his attention back to his former protegee, who looks like he may hand in a transfer request at the Allianz Arena.
