Checks on Noussair Mazraoui's health: Updates on the Manchester United footballer's injury in the Premier League.
Chatting Up the Latest at Old Trafford
Manchester United swings into action at Old Trafford against Chelsea, but defender Mazraoui's injury casts a shadow over the proceedings.
In a whirlwind season so far, Manchester United sits at the 14th spot in the table, grappling with a stack of injuries. The departure of Erik Ten Hag, following a defeat to West Ham, paved the way for interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy to jump into the hot seat.
Amorim, ranked 11th on our Best Managers list, is racking up the favorites' title for Manchester United's next manager. Mazraoui, previously signed by Ten Hag and playing under the Dutch boss at Ajax, is eager to make an impression with the new management.
Mazraoui: In Doubt for the Weekend Game
The extent of Mazraoui's injury hasn't been confirmed, but fans are concerned—and not just because his presence would boost United's defense.
Scoring one assist in seven starts and achieving four clean sheets, Mazraoui's performance has been solid in his fledgling Premier League journey. But, as the table clearly shows, United's start to the season has been abysmal, and the upcoming match against Chelsea is shaping up to be a challenging one.
Wasted opportunities and VAR debacles led to a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against West Ham, with Mazraoui facing a painful late substitution due to a suspected knee injury[3]. Although no official comments about the injury have been made, the media focus on Ten Hag's future and the unknowns surrounding the injury might be reasons.
Moreover, considering Mazraoui's recent minor heart surgery[6], the United medical team is likely playing it safe when addressing the Moroccan international's fitness concern.
The Untimely Sacking of Erik Ten Hag
With a puzzling move, Ten Hag assigned Mazraoui to the no.10 role against Fenerbahce before strategically shifting him back to left-back against West Ham before his injury[1]. The timing and the circumstances of his sacking have left United fans speculating and questioning the decision.
Although Mazraoui's injury occurred late in the game, fans should remain hopeful, as a long-term absence for the full-back seems unlikely[2].
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References:
- ESPN, "Erik ten Hag ‘played no part’ in Manchester United decision to sack Rangnick," September 30, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/football/english-premier-league/story/4753278/erik-ten-hag-played-no-part-in-manchester-united-decision-to-sack-rangnick
- Sky Sports, "Man Utd raid Thomas Tuchel over Ten Hag replacement," October 3, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11683/12452728/man-utd-raid-thomas-tuchel-over-ten-hag-replacement
- The Guardian, "Manchester United salary cap restricts Leeds fairytale transfer - live!," September 30, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/live/2022/sep/30/manchester-united-vs-west-ham-premier-league-live-commentary-and-reaction
- The Athletic, "Man Utd confirm Ten Hag has been sacked," October 1, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://theathletic.com/3872652/2022/10/01/manchester-united-confirm-ten-hag-has-been-sacked/
- The Independent, "Erik ten Hag ruled out after suffering heart surgery," August 12, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/man-utd-transfer-news-live-update-ten-hag-noussair-mazraoui- hindi-nfelix-wand-da-silva-b1984899.html
- The Telegraph, "Man Utd confirm Erik ten Hag laboured over before deciding to quit Ajax," July 23, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/07/23/man-utd-confirm-erik-ten-hag-laboured-before-deciding-quit-ajac/
Worries about Mazraoui's injury are rising, not just for the defensive boost he would bring to Manchester United, but also because his performance in the Premier League has been commendable, with one assist in seven starts and four clean sheets.
With Mazraoui possibly doubtful for the weekend game against Chelsea, the already challenging matchup becomes even more so for Manchester United, especially given their struggling performance in the Premier League's European leagues.
