Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United began the new Premier League season on a high note with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford, bouncing back from their earlier disappointment in the Community Shield. However, their momentum was short-lived as they faced a 2-1 setback against Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
Despite an unpredictable 2023-24 campaign, Ten Hag committed his future to United by signing a contract extension over the summer. This period also saw significant changes within his coaching staff and the first-team squad, signaling a new chapter for the Dutchman’s tenure at Old Trafford.
Among the new arrivals were French defender Leny Yoro from Lille and Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. Additionally, Ten Hag reunited with former Ajax players Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who joined from Bayern Munich, reinforcing United’s ranks. The upcoming addition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, United’s fifth summer signing under the new ownership led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos group, further emphasizes Ten Hag’s ambition to build a formidable squad.
Mazraoui Impresses in Early Performances
Gabby Agbonlahor, speaking on talkSPORT, was quick to highlight Mazraoui’s impressive debut against Fulham, followed by another solid performance against Brighton. The 26-year-old Moroccan international, who has been deployed as a right-back in his first two Premier League matches, has already made a significant impact.
Mazraoui’s composure and confidence in one-on-one situations, particularly against Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma, caught Agbonlahor’s attention. “I like Mazraoui. What I have noticed so far in the games he has played is he is not scared in [a] one vs one. Mitoma, at the weekend, he had him in his pocket. I have not seen that happen in the last season and a half,” Agbonlahor remarked.
Why Ten Hag Prioritized Mazraoui’s Signing
Mazraoui’s arrival at United marked the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to West Ham, as Ten Hag sought a versatile full-back who could adapt to both flanks. The United manager emphasized Mazraoui’s ability to handle pressure, a crucial trait in the high-stakes environment of English football.
Ten Hag explained, “I think he is a player [that] it is quite difficult to put him under pressure. In English football, that is beneficial. In English football, there is always pressure on the ball, and one of his key attributes is that it’s very difficult to put him under pressure because he often finds solutions.”
As United’s season progresses, Ten Hag is confident that Mazraoui’s qualities will continue to shine, particularly as the team focuses on converting their numerous chances into goals. “We create so many chances, but we have to take them, and we have players with scoring abilities enough in the team. In the other box, it was too easy. We have to be more clinical there, more aggressive as well,” Ten Hag added, stressing the need for improvement in both defense and attack.
With Mazraoui’s early performances and the potential arrival of Manuel Ugarte, Ten Hag’s vision for a robust and adaptable Manchester United squad is gradually taking shape. As the season unfolds, the Dutchman will be hoping his strategic signings translate into consistent success on the pitch.
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