Andy Mitten reveals Manchester United were so delighted to sign Noussair Mazraoui that they hailed him as possibly their best acquisition in recent years.
The 28-year-old is an Ajax youth product who climbed his way up the club's ranks and became a key player under Erik ten Hag.
In 2022, the Moroccan signed for Bayern Munich on a free transfer, but two years later, he reunited with Ten Hag at Old Trafford.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
While the reunion was cut short by the Dutch manager's sacking in October 2024, Mazraoui remained an important player at the club, and was a regular starter under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese manager, who was recently appointed as the new AC Milan head coach, reportedly tried to recruit Mazraoui this summer , but to no avail.
The Moroccan international hasn't always been selected in Michael Carrick's starting lineup, but his ability to cover multiple roles renders him crucial for the 45-year-old's plans. In fact, Mazraoui could be considered Luke Shaw's most suitable backup , in addition to his original role at right-back.
Therefore, Man Utd insider Andy Mitten reveals trusted MUFC officials have identified the versatile star as the club's top signing in recent years, especially following his first season's exploits.
"I thought in his first season he was very good, even though it was a terrible season (2024/25) for United," said Mitten in the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast.
"I had people saying to me he's the best signing we've made for years, people who I really respect. But then last season he didn't have a good season, so he needs to get back to where he was.
"One of the reasons he was brought in on big wages was because he's versatile. So, I'm looking at best-case scenarios for all these players."
Considering the former Ajax and Bayern Munich star as the best signing in recent years might be a bit of a stretch.
The assessment revealed by Mitten was certainly influenced by the modest transfer fee INEOS spent to recruit him from the Bavarian giants (circa £13 million), so he represents great value for the club's money.
But if this is the main standard, Senne Lammens ' arrival solved one of the club's most damaging weaknesses for just £18 million.
(Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
That being said, Mazraoui can be considered a real coup on United's part, and the recruitment team have every right to brag about it.
MUFC fans would have certainly cherished a similar signing to address the left-back issue this summer.
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