A Manchester United star could find himself to be a crucial profile in a new change to Ruben Amorim’s system as the United boss once described him as “the future” of the club.
Manchester United’s dramatic 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth saw some tactical shifts from manager Ruben Amorim as the Manchester United boss reverted to a back four in possession as the Red Devils were desperate for a switch-up.
This saw Amad take up a more naturally attacking role when United had possession, which moved summer signing Bryan Mbeumo into a centre forward.
This set the back line from left to right as Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro. This placed a new responsibility on the shoulders of all the United defenders, particularly 20-year-old Yoro, who has been in a slight slump in the last few games.
The young Frenchman has had a range of players alongside him as injuries have taken effect on Matthijs De Ligt, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
The versatility of the right back role in possession and right back role out of possession could be the perfect old for the return of one particular United star who attracted attention from Amorim for his versatility and reliability on the right-hand side.
Mazraoui could see a post-AFCON revival
28-year-old, Noussair Mazraoui signed for United from European giants, Bayern Munich for the reasonable price of just over £13m, but his arrival brought doubts over his availability and injury record, especially with the intensity of the Premier League.
However, the Moroccan proved to be more than up for the challenge with him being one of United’s standout players of the season for his elite one on one defending paired with his impressive on the ball ability.
This got the attention of Amorim who described the importance of the fullback. He stated, “He understands theme. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very food one-on-one. He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team.”
With the defender away over the winter with his national side at the African Cup of Nations, this new tactical switch up from Amorim would be the perfect profile to suit Mazraoui’s strengths.
Where Yoro may lack in his close control and composure in tight spaces, operating in a back four would give Mazraoui more freedom in the right back role to advance the ball, whilst still being able to isolate forwards in one-on-one situations, which is an exceptional aspect of Mazraoui’s game.
Amorim’s defensive variations
Last season saw Mazraoui play primarily as the right centre back of a back three, where he gained the recognition and appreciation of the manager, but from his time at both Ajax and Bayern Munich, the Moroccan is still elite with his experience as an out-and-out right back.
Versatility has played a crucial role in Amorim’s sides recently with Amad often playing as a wingback, yet still marauding forward on the counter attack with his quick feet.
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Dalot has also been imperative to Amorim’s squads as he has operated as a left wingback. The Portuguese international is seen as a senior player and has been favoured over a presumably more suited left wingback in Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu.
Upon Mazraoui’s return from AFCON, he could slot perfectly in as a right sided defender to not only take the pressure away from Yoro, but also give United more stability in possession as he is more suited to operating in a back four, and he was initially signed into a squad which used a back four.
Additionally, the solidarity of De Ligt with his eventual return from injury would be a more recognised defensive partner for Mazraoui from their time at both United and in Germany together.
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