105 passes, 127 touches – Rúben Amorim has a new “absolute monster” at Manchester United

Rúben Amorim has a new “absolute monster” at Manchester United as he tries to understand the strengths of his squad’s players.

Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United tenure began with a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in Sunday’s Premier League encounter.

Marcus Rashford gave United the perfect start, finishing expertly from Amad Diallo’s electric run and cross just two minutes into the game.

Read More: Owen Hargreaves reveals five changes Ruben Amorim must make to Man Utd XI after Ipswich draw

Ipswich found their equalizer just before the interval when Omari Hutchinson’s superb strike, aided by a deflection off Noussair Mazraoui, looped over André Onana and into the top corner.

Onana redeemed himself with a commanding performance, producing a series of exceptional saves to secure a point for United as the match ended all square.

Amorim’s new “monster”

While the main takeaway from this squad is that many players require immediate improvements, one star showed Amorim just how good he is, even when playing out of position.

Noussair Mazraoui, who was described as an “absolute monster” against Ipswich, started as a right-sided centre-back in the back three, and was brilliant both on and off the ball.

Out of his 115 attempted passes, he completed 105, having 127 touches of the ball and creating one chance. He had five passes continue into the final third, completing five of his nine attempted long balls.

He made six recoveries, cleared the ball twice, took eight defensive actions, and intercepted one pass. He was not dribbled past the entire game.

Amorim’s appreciation

The new head coach himself made sure to single out Mazraoui after the game for his performance as a centre-back.

“We don’t have too many centre-backs so we have to adapt some players,” Amorim explained when asked about the Moroccan international’s position.

“I thought Noussair Mazraoui did very well. He is so smart and is so important for us. He can play anywhere, and that kind of player is crucial for our future.”

United had four centre-backs unavailable for the tie: Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martínez, and Victor Lindelöf. Once even just two are back, Mazraoui will be able to become involved as a wing-back, and he will only improve.

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