Manchester United have reached a decision on Noussair Mazraoui’s involvement following his AFCON final defeat, with a huge fixture away at Arsenal looming.
Manchester United are loving life under interim manager Michael Carrick so far after their dominant 2-0 victory against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Second half goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu sealed all three points for Carrick’s first game back in charge, but things are set to get even more tough for the former Middlesborough manager.
United’s next fixture will see the Red Devils travel to the Emirates to face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, who currently sit top of the Premier League.
This winter period has seen absences throughout the squad with the African Cup of Nations taking place in Morocco, leaving United without Amad, Mbeumo and notably Noussair Mazraoui who just came short in Morocco’s devastating 1-0 loss to Senegal.
United have confirmed their decision over the fullback’s availability for the following days as their toughest challenge yet awaits.
Man United grant Mazraoui extra time off
Tyrone Marshall has revealed that Manchester United have concluded that Mazraoui will return to training at Carrington by the end of the week.
This gives Mazraoui a chance to make the squad for the trip to the Emirates on Sunday afternoon, as the later time and day allow the Moroccan to prove his readiness to the club.
Mazraoui featured in all seven of Morocco’s games in their journey to second place, totalling 628 minutes of playing time, including 98 minutes in the heartbreaking final against Senegal.
This will be the fullback’s first taste of life under Carrick, with both Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher both ending their times at the wheel in Mazraoui’s absence.
Mazraoui’s new role under Carrick
Mazraoui is the ideal player for United with his versatility proving to be crucial often. The Moroccan has operated as both a left and right-sided fullback for club and country, even having a surprise spell as an attacking midfielder under Erik ten Hag.
Carrick has reverted United to a back four as an alternative to Amorim’s persistent back three system, giving Mazraoui competition with Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw and Dorgu for a starting spot at fullback.
With Arsenal possessing tricky wingers such as Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, Mazraoui may be Carrick’s preferred option due to his elite one-on-one defending.
United’s hunt for Champions League football is still alive, and with no other competitions to play for, the squad can dedicate their full focus towards a top-four finish.
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