Manchester United’s recent woes have continued in 2025-26, with the north west club starting the new season in underwhelming form.
Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim is under intense pressure, especially after the Premier League side was eliminated from the Carabao Cup at the first time of asking by lowly Grimsby Town this week.
Manchester United signed Benjamin Sesko and other big-name attacking players over the summer, but the Old Trafford outfit’s issues in defence are clear for most to see.
As such, with an uptick in form required for Amorim to stay in a job, the return of one Manchester United defender that hasn’t played yet this season cannot come quickly enough.
Ruben Amorim looks on during Grimsby Town v Manchester United
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Noussair Mazraoui’s return will boost United’s defensive options
In Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation, the wing-backs play an important role for United and are critical both in defence and in attack.
It feels as though the Portuguese trainer hasn’t settled on his first-choice options on both flanks, with the impending return of Noussair Mazraoui set to be a boost for the Old Trafford side.
United spent £12.8 million to bring the Morocco international to England from Bayern Munich in August 2024, with the 27-year-old adding versatility and quality to their squad.
Mazraoui has not featured for the Red Devils this season due to injury, but with the African wideman closing in on a return, it can only be good news for the struggling United side.
Mazraoui boosts United at both ends of the pitch
Mazraoui is good enough to play on either left or right wing-back, while he can also operate as one of United’s three central defenders if required.
United have missed his energy, ability to get from box-to-box and defensive tenacity so far this season, with opponents taking advantage of Amorim’s side on the flanks.
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Manchester United FC - Premier League
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Once Mazraoui is back fit and available, reintegrating him into the starting XI should be a priority, however this won’t be for Saturday’s home game against Burnley.
The 27-year-old’s experience and quality will be of real use to United, with Mazraoui’s return almost feeling like a new signing for the under-performing side.