Michael Carrick has given Manchester United fans a positive update on Noussair Mazraoui’s readiness for their next Premier League challenge.
Noussair Mazraoui was agonisingly close to achieving AFCON victory as Morocco lost 1-0 to Senegal in the final.
The tournament kept Mazraoui busy away from Old Trafford as he started in all seven of Morocco’s fixtures in their journey to second place.
The fullback made a small cameo against Arsenal as United saw out the final minutes to secure a 3-2 victory thanks to the brilliant goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.
Michael Carrick has given an update on Mazraoui’s condition as United look to make it three wins out of three with their new boss, with Fulham at home as the next test.
Carrick pleased with Mazraoui
In a pre-match interview with the media team, Carrick confirmed the condition of Mazraoui ahead of Sunday’s game.
“Yeah he’s come back well, Nous,” said Carrick. “It was a difficult one, obviously, on the back of the final and how it panned out.
“[He had] a few days to digest that then back in and around it. He’s been fantastic in and around the group and around training.
“Obviously, he came on at the end of the game and played a part for us, as you’d expect.”
“So yeah, again [we want to] just keep thickening the squad, bolstering the squad, and it’s great to have him back.”
Fullback spot up for grabs?
With questions emerging over the future of Diogo Dalot within the fanbase, Mazraoui has often proven to be a reliable option for the team.
The 28-year-old signed in the summer of 2024 with the aim of being a solid, versatile option providing the depth needed for United to compete in multiple competitions.
The Moroccan has proven his consistent ability, and with Carrick reverting to a more familiar back four, Mazraoui may be more suited to the system with his ability to defend in a one-vs-one situation, as well as protect the ball with his quick feet.
Whilst Dalot has been the primary option to start at right back, Mazraoui provides the option to bring more defensive security to the side on both flanks, and with the recent injury to Dorgu, Mazraoui may see himself finding minutes on the left to rest Luke Shaw, who has started all of United’s Premier League games this season.
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