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Manchester United are pushing to sign Noussair Mazraoui as Erik ten Hag believes the Moroccan international could “help to unlock the potential of Antony” after the two players enjoyed great success under the Dutchman at Ajax.
Mazraoui, 26, joined Bayern Munich from the Eredivisie club on a free transfer in 2022, the same summer Ten Hag swapped Amsterdam for Manchester, having been at Ajax since he was seven years old.
The skilful fullback formed a crucial part of one of the most successful periods in Ajax’s recent history.
He was the first-choice option at right-back, helping Ten Hag’s side to win three Eredivisie championships, two KNVB Cups and a Super Cup across the Dutch manager’s five years in charge.
Mazraoui also played a key role in Ajax’s scintillating Champions League run in the 2018/19 season which saw the young Dutch side vanquish Real Madrid and Juventus in back-to-back knockout ties, only to fall short to a heart-breaking last-minute goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-final.
The 26-year-old right-back struck up a particularly fruitful partnership with Antony, as he had before with Hakim Ziyech, which helped bring the best out of the Brazilian.
And it was in large part this form Antony was able to demonstrate at the Johan Cruyff Arena which convinced United to heed the wishes of Ten Hag and splash out an eye-watering £85 million on then 22-year-old winger.
Theory has not translated to practice, however, and Antony has struggled enormously in a United shirt. He has never looked capable of fulfilling his price-tag and there are large swathes of the fanbase who would be happy to see him sold this summer, even at a considerable loss.
Ten Hag does not agree, still holding faith the now 24-year-old winger will be able to demonstrate the form which made the Dutchman prioritise his transfer in the first place.
Paul Hirst (The Times) contends United are targeting Mazraoui as Bayern are pushing to sell the Moroccan and would be willing to accept a bid in the region of £17-21 million – a reasonable price for a skilled technician with Champions League and international experience, also capable of playing at left-back.
However, another motivation for the move is that of Antony. Hirst reveals, “Ten Hag believes that Mazraoui could help to unlock the potential of Antony, the Brazil winger who played in front of him on the right flank for Ajax.”
Hirst also states that United “must sell Aaron Wan-Bissaka” before a move for Mazraoui can be sanctioned as the club’s financial situation ensures any further purchases must be first supplemented by sales.
Interestingly, West Ham also retain a strong interest in the Bayern defender and are in “talks” with the German club over a move.
🚨⚒️ West Ham, still pushing to sign Noussair #Mazraoui!
More talks with FC Bayern in the last hours. Bayern, more than willing to sell the 26 y/o.
Bayern now demand at least €20m. No agreement with #WHUFC yet. Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui want him. Aaron Wan-Bissaka,… pic.com/F8taHHRhPI
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 24, 2024
Tweet: “West Ham, still pushing to sign Noussair #Mazraoui! More talks with FC Bayern in the last hours. Bayern, more than willing to sell the 26 y/o.
Bayern now demand at least €20m. No agreement with #WHUFC yet. Tim Steidten and Julen Lopetegui want him. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the top alternative. Mazraoui, keen to play Premier League next season. He’s also on the list of ManUtd as revealed.”
Florian Plettenberg (Sky Sports) reveals the London club are “pushing” to sign Mazraoui but that Wan-Bissaka is their “top alternative” should they be unable to land him.
Given United also want to to sign Mazraoui, and the 26-year-old is far more likely to want to reunite with Ten Hag at Old Trafford than Julien Lopetegui at the London Stadium, it feels a marriage of convenience for West Ham to turn their attention to Wan-Bissaka, thus enabling the Red Devils to then fund a move for the Moroccan.
This transfer flurry may just hold the key to Antony salvaging his career in Manchester, though The Peoples Person remains highly sceptical.
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