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1 month ago
17 Noussair Mazraoui has explained the reasons for him leaving Bayern Munich during the summer to join Manchester United.
The Morocco international joined United from the Bundesliga giants for a £12.8 million fee and has been a mainstay in Erik ten Hag’s defence since the start of the season.
It bodes well for all defenders that we’ve started to keep clean sheets and that alone is a building block for the rest of the campaign, despite a sluggish start.
Diogo Dalot has moved across to left-back to provide cover, while Luke Shaw’s return has been delayed until mid-October. Ten Hag previously suggested that the left-back would return after the September international break.
Ahead of United’s Europa League opener against Ten Hag’s former club FC Twente, Mazraoui was asked why he left Bayern Munich for United and the differences he has noticed between the two European giants.
“I think if you compare both of them, you cannot say one is bigger than the other,” said Mazraoui, as per the Mirror. “Maybe internationally speaking, United is probably even bigger than Bayern, so that’s one of the reasons. The other reason is I felt the summer after two seasons playing in Bayern that I needed and wanted to take another step, based on a lot of reasons.
“I felt okay there, but I felt I could feel better and more comfortable somewhere else and that’s why I chose to change clubs. United came in and I don’t think I have to explain why I joined such a club. It’s not me who decides the fee, so I can’t really say anything about the negotiations between United and Bayern.
“It worked out good for me because I was not that expensive and I made a good start, so it’s easy for the fans to say I am a good buy this summer. The fans make positive comments, but it’s still early. You hear some things, but this love from the fans is a really good feeling.
“I appreciate them and they appreciate me, so if we can start well like this, I always want to give them even more.”
The right-back was also asked if Ten Hag played a factor in his move, having managed him previously at Ajax.
“Of course it was a big factor. It’s always [a factor] if you decide to go to another club, if the manager and his way of seeing football fits into how you play.
“I knew him already and his way of seeing the game fits into how I play and that’s a big factor. That you have worked before with him also makes it easier, so I knew what he expected of me and he knew it from my side as well. It makes it easier, but it was not the only factor to come to this big club.”
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