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Ruben Amorim names Man Utd star who does not stand out in training but is ‘top player’ in games, ‘he’s the future’

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is getting to know his players, and while some may take their time to win him over, others have done so immediately.

One of the stars of Ruben Amorim’s opening three games as Manchester United head coach has been versatile defender Noussair Mazraoui.

Mazraoui has started all three games under Ruben Amorim, and was praised by the former Sporting boss after last week’s Europa League win over Bodo/Glimt.

Amorim has been speaking about Mazraoui again, praising the Moroccan in the press conference ahead of the Arsenal fixture.

Manchester United v FK Bodo/Glimt - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Ruben Amorim on Noussair Mazraoui

Ruben Amorim is a big fan of Noussair Mazraoui, but has curiously admitted the defender does not stand out in training.

Instead he insists Mazraoui simply steps up when it matters most, delivering in matches. And that does not mean the defender trains poorly, it’s just the games where he really stands out.

Amorim explained: “In training I don’t see him a lot but in games he’s a top player, because he understands the game.

“He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very good one on one. He’s a modern player.

“I think he’s the future of our team. When you think about him you think like we need more players like Nous that can control the tempo, they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball.

“They understand the game, so Nous I’m really happy with him.”

Mazraoui is one of the best buys in years

Manchester United paid just £12.8 million to sign Noussair Mazraoui this summer from Bayern Munich.

While there was some reluctance to sell FA Cup winner Aaron Wan-Bissaka, there is no doubt that Mazraoui has been a considerable upgrade.

Mazraoui is adept in Ruben Amorim’s system, versatile enough to play at centre-back and wing-back, and the head coach clearly appreciates him.

Amorim substituted Mazraoui just before the hour mark against Everton at the weekend with United leading 3-0, aiming to preserve him for the club’s upcoming fixtures.