Amorim praises "future of our team"
Summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has all the qualities to be “the future” of Manchester United, says head coach Ruben Amorim.
The Morocco international has been highly impressive since joining from Bayern Munich in August, with particularly outstanding and versatile performances over the last few weeks.
Mazraoui is in contention for November’s Player of the Month, alongside Andre Onana and Amad.
Showing great flexibility in his position since his United arrival, Nous has played on both sides at full-back and, more recently, lined up as part of a back three under Amorim.
“He’s a top player,” said Amorim, when speaking to journalists at an Old Trafford press conference on Monday.
Part one: Ruben's pre-Arsenal press conference
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“He understands the game. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very good one-on-one. He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team.
“When you think about him, you think we need more players like Nous that can control the tempo, they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball. So, Nous, I’m really happy with him.”
Amorim’s praise of Mazraoui might indicate that the 27-year-old will be involved in Wednesday’s Premier League match at Arsenal.
Having played all three of Ruben’s first games in charge at right-centre-back, it’s likely Nous will be needed once more. Lisandro Martinez, who has been on the left of the back three, is suspended after receiving a fifth league yellow card of the season in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Everton.
Should Mazraoui be involved, Amorim revealed what he’ll be asking of his players ahead of the game at the Emirates.
“It's important to be brave,” he said.
“When I say brave it’s not pressing all the time. You have to understand the moments of the game.
“We want to have the ball, we want also to dominate some moments of the game because we know in these matches it’s hard to control the game. We have to be brave and control the game.”