Noussair Mazraoui has explained why he left Bayern Munich for Manchester United and why he was excited to work with Matthijs de Ligt again.
Mazraoui and De Ligt departed Bayern for Manchester United.
Brought in to reinforce the backline
Moroccan reveals why he choose Red Devils.
Manchester United bought Mazraoui and De Ligt from Bayern in the summer as part of a shopping binge that also included Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee at Old Trafford. Mazraoui has started all five Premier League games under Erik ten Hag, while De Ligt has also emerged as a starter in recent weeks.
United will be hoping that the addition of the new defenders can help their backline, which allowed 58 goals in 38 Premier League games last season. Mazraoui and De Ligt are both familiar with Ten Hag, having previously played for him at Ajax before coming to Bayern. Mazraoui has spoken about his choice to go to Old Trafford, saying he thought it was the ideal moment for a fresh challenge.
He told reporters, “When you compare them, you can’t claim one is bigger than the other. Manchester United is likely to be larger than Bayern Munich on a global scale, so that is undoubtedly one factor. The second reason was that I felt, last summer, after two seasons at Bayern, that I needed and wanted to take another step for a variety of reasons. I felt okay there, but I had the impression that I would feel better and more comfortable somewhere else. That is why I finally decided to shift clubs, which is where Manchester United came in. I don’t think I need to explain why I made such a decision.”
Mazrouai also discussed his friendship with De Ligt, saying, “Of course, I believe that’s one of the main factors, not just him, but also knowing people here to help me settle in. It’s difficult to adjust to a new club with new players and personnel, but the instant you feel at ease, you’ll play better. Because I knew several of the players here, and I came with Matthijs, which makes things simpler.
Manchester United is now preparing for their first Europa League match of the season. The Red Devils will play FC Twente at Old Trafford on Wednesday before hosting Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
