Noussair Mazraoui
Right Back
Possession Builder
Nov 14, 1997 (28)
Right
6'0"
139 lb
Plays second half against Leeds
Mazraoui recorded one tackle (zero won), six clearances and one interception in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Mazraoui entered at the interval in place of Martinez, who appeared to be dealing with a physical issue during the first half. The Moroccan defender played 45 minutes on the left side of Manchester United's defensive setup, contributing six clearances, one interception and one unsuccessful tackle. His appearance marked another step in his return after recently recovering from a back injury that had kept him out of action. With several defenders unavailable or managing fitness concerns, Mazraoui's versatility could earn him further opportunities in the coming fixtures.
Returns to bench against Leeds
Mazraoui (back) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United after recovering from an injury sustained during the international break.
Analysis: Mazraoui returns to Manchester United's matchday squad after missing the recent fixtures against Tottenham and Atletico Madrid due to a back injury. The versatile defender recently resumed team training and has now received clearance to feature against Leeds, although his minutes could be managed following his absence. Mazraoui has made three Premier League appearances this season, including one start, and his return provides coach Michael Carrick with additional defensive flexibility. With Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven unavailable, Mazraoui could gradually earn more playing time as he regains full match fitness.
Could return Sunday
Mazraoui (back) is trending in the right direction for Sunday's match against Leeds United, according to manager Michael Carrick. "Yeah, it's a little bit stronger. Hopefully, we've got Nous back involved with us. He's done a little bit of training, so he'll be back around the group, which is a good step in the right direction for us."
Analysis: Mazraoui looks to be trending well for Sunday's match, having returned to training following a back injury during the international break. However, the defender appears to still need to pass testing, not fully cleared, as he needs a final checkup before taking the field. The major question is what role he will hold if fit, as he will likely serve on the bench and not be risked too much, starting in one of his three appearances this season. With Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) unavailable and Luke Shaw (undisclosed) facing a late fitness assessment, Manchester United could remain short of options at full-back, so the return of Mazraoui could be a major help. However, even if he does return, Ayden Heaven seems the most likely to start at full-back for United.
Remains sidelined for UCL clash
Mazraoui (back) will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid after remaining absent from Monday's training session, according to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News.
Analysis: Mazraoui continues to recover from an injury sustained while representing Morocco against Lesotho during the international break. The defender had an outside chance of returning for Saturday's Premier League matchup against Tottenham but ultimately remained sidelined, with his recovery requiring additional time. His absence from Monday's training session confirms he is not yet ready to return to competitive action, leaving Manchester United without another defensive option for Tuesday's European fixture. With Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) also sidelined, manager Michael Carrick will continue to have limited depth at full-back until Mazraoui is cleared to resume training.
Not ready for Tottenham clash
Mazraoui (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Saturday's Premier League clash against Tottenham after returning from international duty with Morocco carrying an injury, according to coach Michael Carrick. "Nous came off and took a knock. He's not quite right, so we'll see how he is."
Analysis: Mazraoui will miss Saturday's clash against Tottenham after failing to recover from the injury he sustained during Morocco's match against Lesotho. The defender was forced off during the second half of that fixture, and manager Michael Carrick has now confirmed he remains unavailable, although no timeline for his return has been established. His absence comes alongside Patrick Dorgu's hamstring injury, leaving Manchester United short of options at full-back.
Suffers injury with Morocco
Mazraoui suffered an injury in Tuesday's match between Morocco and Lesotho, Amos Murphy of The Express reports.
Analysis: Mazraoui was subbed off in the second half with an apparent back issue, which is a major blow for Manchester United since Patrick Dorgu (hamstring) also suffered an injury during the break. With both Mazraoui and Dorgu dealing with fitness issues, as well as Luke Shaw's own injury problems, it remains to be seen who could get the nod at left-back for Manchester United when they resume their Premier League campaign against Tottenham on Saturday, Oct. 10. In the worst-case scenario, Harry Amass could get the nod at left-back, unless Michael Carrick decides to improvise and play Lisandro Martinez in a wider position.
Settles into rotation role
Mazraoui has not featured in Manchester United's last two matches after making four appearances across the Premier League and Champions League to begin the season, including two starts.
Analysis: Mazraoui has settled into a rotational role at right-back, with Diogo Dalot currently ahead of him in the pecking order. The defender was regularly involved early in the campaign but has since gone unused in two consecutive matches, highlighting the competition for minutes. His versatility and experience should keep him involved throughout the season, though Dalot's position as the preferred option could limit Mazraoui to sporadic starts and substitute appearances.
Back at Carrington for preseason
Mazraoui has reported to Carrington for preseason training ahead of the new campaign, the club announced.
Analysis: Mazraoui contributed 14 tackles and 34 clearances across six appearances for Morocco at the World Cup, and his return marks the start of his buildup as he looks to build on 20 appearances, including 11 starts, for United last season. His versatility, capable of playing either center back or right back, gives him multiple paths into the lineup as he competes for a regular role. Mazraoui is expected to continue pushing for a starting spot as preseason progresses.
Four clearances at center-back
Mazraoui generated one tackle (zero won), four clearances and one interception in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to France.
Analysis: Mazraoui was placed at center-back on Thursday as Anass Salah-Eddine was handed the start at left-back, playing the full 90 minutes. He would record a tackle, one interception and four clearances in the defense despite allowing two goals. He departs the World Cup with five starts in six appearances, notching two interceptions, 14 tackles, 34 clearances and two clean sheets.
Makes 10 clearances in win
Mazraoui recorded an inaccurate cross, 10 clearances and two tackles in Saturday's 3-0 victory against Canada.
Analysis: Mazraoui was busy defensively and didn't pose much of a threat going forward, but he continues to deliver value as a reliable two-way presence for Morocco. This was his second consecutive game in which he had double-digit clearances. Expect him to remain in the lineup for the quarterfinals next week, though his fantasy upside will be tied to the opponent the Atlas Lions will face.
Incredible defensive display
Mazraoui registered five tackles (four won), 12 clearances and one interception in Monday's 1-1 (4-3) penalty shootout victory over Netherlands.
Analysis: Mazraoui had a tremendous defensive display which saw Morocco progress to the round of 16 where they will face Canada, following a win on penalties over the Netherlands. The left-back played the full 120 minutes, but was not required to take a penalty. He won four fo five tackles, having only attempted five in the three games before that. He also made 12 clearances, more than the eight that he had made in the three appearances before this altogether.
Another start at right-back
Mazraoui recorded one interception and three clearances in Friday's 1-0 win over Scotland.
Analysis: Mazraoui was on the left flank of the defense again on Friday but was not too involved, only forced to make a few stops in the defense as Morocco earned a clean sheet. He would remain on the pitch for the full 90, proving to be fit after some concerns to start the World Cup. With two starts in two games, he will likely look to start again as Morocco looks to top the group.
Makes five tackles in draw
Mazraoui registered one cross (zero accurate) and five tackles in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brazil.
Analysis: Mazraoui had to deal with the threat of Raphinha, so he was understandably busy defensively and not doing much moving forward. The Manchester United full-back is expected to remain on the left side of the defense as long as he stays fit, but he should have more fantasy appeal in the upcoming match against Scotland on June 19.
Starting as expected
Mazraoui (shoulder) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Brazil.
Analysis: Mazraoui is back in the starting XI as expected for Saturday's clash. He was always likely to play and it appears he passed all the late fitness checks to get back in the team. He will be in for a long day as he and Morocco try to shut down the excellent attack of Brazil to open Group C.
Likely for opener
Mazraoui (shoulder) is a likely option for Saturday's match against Brazil, according to manager Mohamed Ouahbi, per Chaimae Bouaichi of Morocco World News. "[Noussair] took part in the previous training session. We still have another session after this one, and then we will make a decision. Overall, he is fine. All the players are ready and can play."
Analysis: Mazraoui is on the mend heading into his country's World Cup opener, as the defender was back in training Friday. That said, his availability was reinforced by. his maangers statements, appearing to be ready to face Brazil in the highly anticipated Group C opener. He is likely to serve on the left of the defense in the starting XI if deemed fit, so this is a major storyline to watch. However, many concerns have been raised, as he now seems more than likely to play.
Trains fully Thursday
Mazraoui trained in full on Thursday and is expected to start Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday, completing his recovery from the shoulder contusion he sustained during the Norway friendly, the federation posted.
Analysis: Mazraoui had been carefully assessed by Morocco's medical team after landing awkwardly on his shoulder during the 1-1 draw against Norway, but his full return to collective training is the clearest sign yet that he will be available from the first whistle at the MetLife Stadium. The Atlas Lions will be relieved to have their first-choice left-back fully fit after the double blow of losing Nayef Aguerd (pubalgia) and Ez Abde (knee) to injury ahead of what promises to be one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures of the entire tournament.
Could return for opener
Mazraoui has returned to training after working in the gym as a precaution following a shoulder injury sustained in the Norway friendly, and could be available for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil on Saturday, according to Manchester United.
Analysis: Mazraoui landed awkwardly on his shoulder during the 1-1 draw against Norway but has been carefully assessed by Morocco's medical team and retained in the squad, unlike teammates Nayef Aguerd (pubalgia) and Ez Abde (knee) who have been replaced. The Manchester United left-back is expected to be one of the first names in coach Mohamed Ouahbi's starting lineup and the Atlas Lions will be relieved to have their key defensive option available for what promises to be one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures of the entire tournament at the MetLife Stadium.
Returns to full training
Mazraoui (shoulder) returned to full team training Tuesday with no apparent discomfort, allaying any remaining concerns over the shoulder contusion he sustained during Sunday's friendly against Norway, according to Le360Sport.
Analysis: Mazraoui had been forced off during the 1-1 draw against Norway following a collision, but his participation in the collective session is the clearest sign yet that the injury poses no threat to his availability for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil. The left-back is expected to be one of the first names in coach Mohamed Ouahbi's starting lineup throughout the tournament, and his return to full training gives the Atlas Lions the reassurance they needed heading into one of the most high-profile group stage fixtures of the entire competition.
Suffers shoulder contusion
Mazraoui suffered a shoulder contusion following a collision during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Norway and was forced off, but coach Mohamed Ouahbi confirmed the injury is not a serious concern and that the defender should be available for Morocco's World Cup opener against Brazil, according to Lions de L'Atlas.
Analysis: Mazraoui is expected to be Morocco's first-choice left-back throughout the tournament and the reassuring update from the coaching staff puts any concerns about his availability firmly to rest. The minor nature of the contusion means no significant recovery time is needed, giving the Atlas Lions confidence that one of their most important defensive options will be ready for the biggest game of their World Cup preparations.
Forced off with injury
Mazraoui was forced off due to injury in the 29th minute of Sunday's friendly against Norway, according to ESPN.NL.
Analysis: Mazraoui would need to come off the field early Sunday as he played in a friendly ahead of the World Cup, leaving fans concerned he could be missing time during the tournament. Not much has been released on his condition, but the hope will be that it is only a minor injury and he was removed due to caution. He is slated to be a starting left-back during the tournament, so this would be a major blow, leaving Youssef Belammari as a possible replacement.
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