8 final-third passes, 6 recoveries: It was a night to forget at OT, but ‘consistent’ Utd man’s showing cannot slip under radar

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United looks on before the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and FC Twente at Old Trafford on September 25, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Noussair Mazraoui has transitioned seamlessly into Manchester United’s squad following his summer switch from Bayern Munich.

The fullback has featured in all seven of the side’s fixtures thus far, including five starts in the Premier League and one in the Europa League. He made a 27-minute cameo off the bench in the closing stages of last week’s Carabao Cup win over Barnsley.

Amidst a tumultuous start to the campaign, the technically gifted Mazraoui has been an ever-reliable figure on the right-hand side of defence, proving integral at the back as well as driving up the pitch on the attack. What makes the coup even better is that he cost only £12.4 million – with the potential to rise to £17m – when Bayern Munich severed ties with the 26-year-old in August. 

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Mazraoui quietly impresses once again

Last night, while ultimately a match to forget at Old Trafford after the side dropped points from a winning position, Mazraoui’s performance simply cannot slip under the radar. Per StatmanDave, he made eight passes into the final third, six ball recoveries, four successful tackles and three interceptions – all with an 84 per cent passing accuracy.

The ‘consistent’ Moroccan international has certainly put a case forward to retain his place in the 11 over Diogo Dalot when Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia return.

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