Noussair Mazraoui has struggled for game time this season due to injury, the African Cup of Nations and the managerial change.
Who should start at right-back for Manchester United?
Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United at a difficult time for the club. It was a very poor season under Rúben Amorim, but the timing of the sacking made it even more difficult to adapt to life without the Portuguese coach, or at least, it should have. And it would have done had Carrick not won his first game against Manchester City.
The former midfielder, who narrowly beat his former boss Ole Gunnar Solsjkær to the short-term role, was given just three days of training before the Manchester derby, with some of his squad having just returned from injury or the African Cup of Nations.
Noussair Mazraoui missed the first game against Manchester City after playing in the AFCON final, in which Morocco originally lost, but has since been awarded the title. Mazraoui plays as a left-back for his country due to Achraf Hakimi's presence on the right side - a brilliant example of the former Bayern Munich defender's versatility.
Mazraoui signed for Manchester United to play under his former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag, but it was Rúben Amorim he played under more, not in his natural position, though. Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation meant Mazraoui's natural right-back spot was unavailable, so more often than not, the Morocco international dropped into the back three to play as a right-centre-back.
With Carrick at the helm, fans have been excited to see Mazraoui return to his more natural position in a back four, but Diogo Dalot has kept his place in the side, despite several inconsistent performances.
When asked about the new management, Mazraoui said: "Yeah, well, of course, I was not there for the first period because of AFCON, but, since I’m back, I’m really liking it a lot. They are very communicative, really clear in what they want to do.
"Of course, he has a big history at the club so he knows the club really, really well and you see and you feel that in this type of coaching and the words he’s saying to us in his meetings, of course. So, yes, I’m really impressed."
Why Mazraoui should play against Leeds United
United's next match in the Premier League is against Leeds United on Monday, 13 April at Old Trafford - 24 days after the last game away to AFC Bournemouth. Harry Maguire will miss the visit of Leeds after picking up a red card in the Bournemouth game, but he will return for the following fixture against Chelsea.
Replacing Maguire in the centre of defence will prove difficult, especially if Lisandro Martínez remains out injured. If the Argentine is unavailable, it is likely to be Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro who partner in the centre of defence, with Luke Shaw keeping his place on the left-hand side. With a change at centre-back already guaranteed, it would be fair to argue that making another switch in the backline would be a risk, but playing Mazraoui over Dalot makes even more sense without Maguire.
Since Michael Carrick has returned to the Old Trafford dugout, Dalot has been asked to hold the width on the right flank, allowing the right-winger to cut inside and stay in the half-space, or even in the centre, more often. This has led to the Portuguese full-back being on the end of several long balls from Bruno Fernandes, which he cannot convert due to his poor finishing ability.
Playing Mazraoui in the same role would not solve this problem, but it could improve United's balance in attack. Rather than joining the frontline, Mazraoui could invert into midfield alongside either Casemiro or Kobbie Mainoo - allowing the other deep midfielder to join Bruno Fernandes in attacking midfield while United are in possession. In turn, Mazraoui could also invert into central defence to form a back three, which would allow Luke Shaw to join the frontline and push Matheus Cunha inside - into his more natural role.
Dalot has played in a similar style before, but Mazraoui's experience should give him the nod over United's number two.
Mazraoui will be important next season
This season has been a struggle for the former Ajax full-back, but it should not be forgotten how impressive he was playing out of position for Rúben Amorim.
Mazraoui made 57 appearances for the Red Devils in 2024/25, including 14 in the Europa League. While United will be hoping for Champions League football next season, Mazraoui will be important in United's European campaign once again.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox will be searching for another left-back this summer, but with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu already at the club, United may choose to prioritise other positions. Casemiro's departure makes midfield the biggest priority, but left-winger will also be on the to-do list at the end of this season.
Mazraoui could once again be asked to fill in on the left side of defence if United can't afford another left-back, while he will also regularly rotate with Diogo Dalot, who will need a big season if he wants to assure himself as United's first-choice right-back ahead of the Moroccan.
Even if he has struggled this season, do not forget about Noussair Mazraoui