A good performance, especially a surprise one, should be rewarded with more starts, but Michael Carrick will have to go the opposite route with one player.
One of the finest moments in Michael Carrick’s time at Man Utd came when a makeshift, patched-up team went to Chelsea and came away with all three points.
The 1-0 win was marked by Matheus Cunha’s brilliant goal, Bruno Fernandes’ 18th league assist, and many surprise heroes.
One surprise hero, however, must be dropped for the next game against Brentford. It’s ruthless but necessary.
Diogo Dalot celebrates with teammates Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, England, in 2026.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Michael Carrick must drop Noussair Mazraoui for Harry Maguire
The biggest worry going into the Chelsea game for Carrick was the makeshift look of the back four.
Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire’s suspension left Ayden Heaven as the only senior centre-back, so his partner was up in the air.
Carrick worked with Luke Shaw at CB before eventually settling on Noussair Mazraoui to take up the right-sided centre-back place.
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It worked like a charm, as Mazraoui played like a natural beside Heaven, perfectly balancing the youngster’s aggression with composure.
However, Mazraoui must be dropped next game because Maguire will have served his suspension and become available for selection again.
Considering Brentford’s reliance on aerial balls and set-pieces, Maguire’s return couldn’t be better timed, and his replacing Mazraoui in the first XI is a no-brainer.
Unfortunately for the Moroccan, Diogo Dalot is also shining at right-back, while Shaw is rediscovering his dynamism on the left.
It means that Mazraoui will have to come back to the bench after doing a sterling job in difficult circumstances for the team in an unforgiving venue.
Mazraoui will be extremely important for Man Utd
Mazraoui’s snub from the starting XI after such a good game against Chelsea might look cruel, but these are unique circumstances.
How good was Ayden Heaven against Chelsea?! What a performance!
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The reality is that a player like him will always have a role at the club for his versatility and professionalism, as was visible last season.
When United get back to four competitions next season, his versatility and dependability will come to the fore, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he ends up making more than 40 appearances in all competitions.
For context, 40 games is all United will end up playing this season in all competitions.
Mazraoui’s value is in his squad player status as he is a “plug-and-play” asset who you can deploy and forget, safe in the knowledge that he’ll drop a 7/10 performance.
He showed that against Chelsea, which will only serve to enhance his importance to Man Utd.
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