Noussair Mazraoui made his debut for Manchester United as they edged past Fulham 1-0 to open their 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Erik ten Hag signed the Moroccan from Bayern Munich along with Matthijs de Ligt in a double move that cost a total of around $73 million.
Mazraoui is a versatile defender who has played at both right-back and left-back and when he was named in the starting XI on Friday evening, it was unclear which side he would play on.
Just a few minutes into his debut and he was starting down the right with Diogo Dalot on the left.
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Mazraoui didn’t quite play the full 90 minutes against Fulham but was essential to the side’s first clean sheet of the season.
Fans across social media were quick to recognise his contributions and began discussing what a deal it was to bring him to Old Trafford as he cost just $19 million.
Mazraoui, WOW!!!
So smooth, tidy, and technical footballer that massively raises the ball retention level of the team.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FOOTBALLER, AND HE ONLY COST £15m ❤️ pic.twitter.com/yIgsnfbk40
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) August 16, 2024
De Ligt had to wait until the 81st minute to see his first minutes as a United man as he replaced Harry Maguire, who also had a terrific match. The Dutchman slotted in at right centre-back and partnered Jonny Evans as Lisandro Martinez made way to left-back and Dalot slotted in at right-back.
Joshua Zirkzee also made his debut and etched his name into the history books as he scored the winning goal in front of the Stretford End.
Mazraoui stats vs. Fulham
- 35/38 passes completed
- 7 passes into final third
- 2/2 tackles won
- 2 clearances
- 3 interceptions
- 5 ball recoveries
- 3/3 ground duels won
- 3/4 aerial duels won