Hot on the heels of deals for Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee, Manchester United are seemingly closing in on another new arrival: Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
United are believed to have agreed a £15-20 million deal for Mazraoui, which is potentially a real coup for a player of his quality.
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Why do United want Mazraoui?
Even the most cursory glance at Manchester United’s transfers during the Erik ten Hag era reveals a clear pattern that shows the Dutch manager values players he has existing relationships with.
Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Sofyan Amrabat, and Andre Onana had all played for the former Ajax boss, as had other players he had watched closely while in the Eredivisie, such as Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.
Though these signings have had varying degrees of success, there is a clear logic: the better ten Hag knows a player and vice versa, the easier it is to integrate them.
Mazraoui certainly ticks that box, having made 137 appearances for ten Hag.
The Moroccan international is a fine player too. Mazraoui played much of his youth career in midfield, before ten Hag saw his potential as a right-back in 2018.
Mazraoui has superb technical ability, able to glide out of sticky situations and find teammates with cute, intelligent passes. He even impressed playing as a left winger for Bayern against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League.
The 26-year-old’s comfort in midfield will allow United to field a truly inverted full-back in possession, as Arsenal and Manchester City have to great effect. Comfortable at left-back too, Mazraoui could cover for Luke Shaw.
Mazraoui is a solid defender too, happy to take the initiative and defend on the front foot.
Mazraoui Manchester United transfer fee: why is it so low?
There are several factors leading to Mazraoui’s low fee. Firstly, Bayern are keen to sell, with January signing Sacha Boey and returning loanee Josip Stanisic ahead in the pecking order.
Secondly, he has just two years left on his Bayern Munich contract, further pushing the Bavarians to sell.
Finally, Mazraoui, despite his talents, has a very chequered injury history. Since moving to Bayern, he has missed 31 matches through injury. He has also failed to play over 2000 league minutes since 2018/19.
This is a particular concern to United, who already have two very fragile players at left-back in Luke Shaw and Malacia, who made just 15 appearances between them last season.
When will the deal happen?
The biggest stumbling block in this move is that United need to sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka beforehand.
This is both to create the necessary financial headroom and to make room in the squad.
United are reportedly in close negotiations with West Ham, for a deal believed to be in excess of £10m
The Hammers had previously agreed a deal for Mazraoui themselves, only to see him turn them down in hopes of going to Old Trafford.
