Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has discussed where best to utilise the qualities of versatile defender Noussair Mazraoui.
The summer signing from Bayern Munich has been an unqualified success in his first season at Old Trafford, and really proved his adaptability over the course of the campaign.
Even deployed in a no.10 role during the Europa League game at Fenerbahce, under previous manager Erik ten Hag, the Morocco international has been able to impress, not only at wing-back or in the central defensive slots, but also on both flanks.
As recently as the midweek Premier League contest at Nottingham Forest, he ended up playing on the left and right of the three at the back, either side of fellow former Bayern man Matthijs de Ligt.
During his pre-match interview with club media ahead of the Manchester derby, reporter Mark Sullivan asked Ruben for his thoughts on the subject.
“It's hard to see the best position,”
admitted our head coach. “His background is like a full-back, in a defence of four.
”So in our way of playing, he can play in different positions. I see him as one of the defenders in this moment, because of his quality, he can defend.
“He can play one against one, defending, attacking. So I'm seeing him with a future to play as a wing-back and as a centre-back.”
Mazraoui played in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in December and will hope to help the Reds do the double over our neighbours.
The 27-year-old has appeared in 30 Premier League matches since joining the club and will be an option to the boss again, in a variety of positions, as he prepares for the 16:30 BST kick-off on Sunday, particularly with De Ligt doubtful after sustaining an issue at Forest on Tuesday.