Erik ten Hag explains two key differences between Noussair Mazraoui and Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Erik ten Hag has explained two key differences between Noussair Mazraoui and Aaron Wan-Bissaka as Manchester United prepare to face Fulham in the Premier League.

Following a close penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the 2024 Community Shield, Manchester United are now shifting their attention to the start of the 2024/25 season.

After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, Erik ten Hag is focused on steering his team back into the top four to reclaim a spot in the Champions League.

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United will begin their campaign on Friday with a home game against Fulham at Old Trafford, where three of ten Hag’s new signings are set to make their debuts.

Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee are three names who fans will be eager to see step out at Old Trafford for the first time in a United shirt, but speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag spoke more generally about Mazraoui.

The Morocco international was signed just as Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sold to West Ham, and Ten Hag has revealed that Mazraoui was signed both as he was better at covering both full-back positions and that the new 26-year-old was fantastic under pressure.

“We were looking, and we can sort problems over the left side [with Mazraoui],” Ten Hag told the press on Thursday afternoon.

“For instance, Licha Martínez and Diogo Dalot are capable of playing there. Mazraoui is an additional one who can fill the position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia aren’t in the team.”

Ten Hag went on to praise Mazraoui’s ability to withstand pressure on the ball—something the club desperately needs in defenders and that Old Trafford fans will love—when asked about his stylistic differences from Wan-Bissaka.

“They are different… It’s quite difficult to put him under pressure, especially in English football, that can be very beneficial,” he explained.

“There is always pressure on the ball. This is a player: one of his key attributes is it is very difficult to put him under pressure because he often finds solutions.”

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