The Portuguese manager aims to bring versatile Moroccan defender Noussair Mazraoui to AC Milan, targeting the leadership and tactical intelligence crucial to United’s defensive stability this season.
It is never a surprise in football when managers look to sign players from former clubs, and that is no different at Manchester United.
From David Moyes bringing in Marouane Fellaini, Louis van Gaal bringing in Daley Blind, among others, to Jose Mourinho reuniting with Nemanja Matic and Erik ten Hag signing a whole host of former Ajax and Utrecht players.
With Rúben Amorim now joining AC Milan, it is no surprise to see him look to bring in former players who understand his system.
Given that United need to sell players this season to raise further funds to invest in the team, it would not be a shock to see a player potentially move to Milan.
Amorim is interested in Mazraoui
Coming from the famous Ajax academy, Noussair Mazroui is one of the most intelligent and highly skilled players in the Manchester United squad.
Capable of playing anywhere in the back four, he was one of the rare players who performed well under Amorim on the right of a back three. Therefore, it is easy to see why the Portuguese manager would like to bring the Moroccan to Italy.
According to SportsMediaset (via GiveMeSport), Milan have opened talks with the defender's agent Rafaela Pimenta to bring the player to the San Siro.
They also added that the former United manager has personally requested the signing of Mazraoui.
Mazraoui is a must-keep
While Mazraoui struggled for rhythm after returning from AFCON, the player has still saved United at times with his versatility. Most notably against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where United had to field a makeshift defence, the Moroccan marshalled the back line as a centre-back in a back four.
Mazraoui has also been credited with being a part of the leadership group under Ten Hag, Amorim and now Michael Carrick. He is also one of the few players in the squad with a winning mentality, given that he is an Eredivisie and Bundesliga champion, in what is a fairly youthful side.
Both on and off the field, the Moroccan has an essential part to play for the club. Given that Casemiro has already left the club, the team cannot afford to lose another leader in the squad.
With the club also back in Europe, his style of play will suit the competition, and if the club do not sign a left-back, he could be deployed there ahead of Luke Shaw.
