Rúben Amorim has broken his silence on where he thinks Noussair Mazraoui plays his best football, but the answer to the question is obvious.
Over the past few months, Manchester United have faced numerous injury setbacks, severely disrupting Rúben Amorim’s efforts to establish stability within the squad.
At the beginning of the new year, United appeared to be settling into a consistent rhythm with a reliable starting XI, but things quickly changed in mid-February.
Lisandro Martínez picked up a knee injury that sidelines him until November, and shortly afterwards, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad joined him on the injury list. Further injury issues compounded Amorim’s problems, forcing him to include eight academy players on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur.
Fortunately, the injury crisis seems to be easing slightly. In recent weeks, players such as Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, and Harry Maguire have returned to training, with Mainoo also nearing full fitness.
Amorim speaks on Mazraoui’s best position
However, one player who has been almost a mainstay in Amorim’s sides bar a few minor injury issues is Noussair Mazraoui.
The Moroccan international has played multiple positions for Amorim since the head coach’s arrival, playing on both sides as a wingback as well as both wide centre-backs. He also played a fixture as an attacking midfielder under Erik ten Hag.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester derby, Amorim was asked what he feels Mazraoui’s best positon is, to which the 40-year-old does not have one as his range of qualities is so vast.
“It’s hard to see the best position,” Amorim told club media. “His background is like a full-back, in a defence of four.
“So in our way of playing, he can play in different positions. I see him as one of the defenders in this moment, because of his quality, he can defend.
“He can play one against one, defending, attacking. So I’m seeing him with a future to play as a wing-back and as a centre-back.”
Mazraoui must play right centre-back
Although Amorim is correct with his claim that the player can do it all, it has become obvious that Mazraoui’s best position is as a right centre-back.
This is where the Morrocan has looked most comfortable, with stepping up into midfield with his right foot on the ball a significant quality that aids the chance creation at United.
Also, in the other positions Mazraoui could start, others are excelling. Leny Yoro has proven himself to be a fantastic left-sided centre-back, while Diogo Dalot is most comfortable as a right wing-back and Patrick Dorgu is more of a specialist left wing-back.
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