100 per cent win rate: ‘Astute’ Ten Hag signing has already proven his worth amidst a turbulent start at Old Trafford

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on September 01, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

After adding his name to the contingent of ex-Ajax players at Old Trafford, Noussair Mazraoui has endured a turbulent start to life with Manchester United.

The defender was pursued for his ability to play both right-back and left-back, deputising with Diogo Dalot to fill in for sidelined duo Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.

Mazraoui, 26, has started each of the Reds’ opening three Premier League games, notching one assist for Amad Diallo’s then-equaliser against Brighton and Hove Albion before the side fell to a 2-1 defeat at the Amex. In the subsequent match, United suffered a 3-0 loss at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool.

All in all, it’s been far from a positive start for Erik ten Hag’s men. However, the Moroccan international has proven to be an ‘astute’ acquisition with his efforts across the 261 minutes played; per StatmanDave, out of only 25 players in the top flight to have recorded a 100 per cent win rate in challenges, Mazraoui has won the most of them with seven.