Man Utd new boy Noussair Mazraoui details talent that could save club millions

Noussair Mazraoui plays primarily as a right-back at Manchester United but is capable of playing in a number of positions after starting in the Ajax academy, where youngsters are taught to play fluidly

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has claimed he can play in “every position” on the pitch in a huge boost to manager Erik ten Hag.

Mazraoui arrived at Old Trafford for around £13million from Bayern Munich this summer, adding much-needed squad depth in defence after the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham.

The Moroccan plays primarily as a right-back but is capable of playing in a number of positions – something the player claims has helped him during his career after starting in the Ajax academy, where youngsters are taught to play fluidly.

The 26-year-old has quickly settled in at Old Trafford, starting all four of United’s Premier League games under the Dutchman – putting in some solid displays and picking up an assist on the way.

Now he hopes his ability to play in multiple positions can aid United for the rest of the season, with a talent that could possibly spare Ten Hag from having to spend more money in the January window.

He told the club’s official website: “Yeah, I was a midfielder and then, for the second team, I played one season in every position. From left-winger to central defender in the next game.

“So I’ve played everywhere and that is what really helped me now because wherever I come onto the pitch, I feel comfortable. I don’t feel like ‘what do I have to do over here?’ I just know what to do with it. I’ve played already in every position so that really helped me a lot.

“The moment I got my first professional contract, I felt from that moment on that my career was starting and I just wanted more, it was kind of my first success in my career.

“Every step I’ve made, which was a move to this big club, or the move to Bayern Munich as well, these are moments which show why you work so hard every day, why you do the extra work.

“I knew eventually one day I wanted to play in the Premier League and that I’m able to play for this big club is only a dream I could never dream of, so it wasn’t something I had in my mind.

“Every step for me was already a step of success, a step of being proud, so I knew I made another step in my career and Manchester United is now a big step in that way.”

Mazraoui won three Eredivisie titles at Ajax before moving to Bayern, where he featured 55 times across two seasons before being snapped up by the Red Devils.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.