Coming on at half-time at Elland Road, Noussair Mazraoui returned to action with Manchester United in the 1-1 draw with Leeds, after two matches out injured. The Moroccan played 45 minutes on the left flank.
Noussair Mazraoui is back on the pitch. The Moroccan full-back came on in the 46th minute of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road against Leeds United on Sunday 18 October, on matchday 7 of the Premier League, reports Mountakhab.net. A substitute at kick-off, he replaced Lisandro Martínez, the centre-back struggling physically.
The Morocco international had missed two matches: he was absent against Tottenham Hotspur and then against Atlético Madrid after picking up an injury with the Atlas Lions. His return to the squad was already, according to Michael Carrick, Manchester United’s head coach, a step in the right direction.
Forty-five minutes on the left flank
Deployed on the left side of the Manchester United defence, Mazraoui recorded 6 clearances and 1 interception in 45 minutes played, according to RotoWire data. He came on with Manchester United leading 1-0, thanks to a goal from Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo in the 35th minute.
Leeds equalised five minutes after his introduction, in the 51st, through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Leeds striker. Mazraoui therefore did not see his side hold on to their lead.
A gradual return
Manchester United are without several wide defenders, notably Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, both injured, according to utdreport.
His injury has been managed gradually. Mazraoui resumed full collective training on Friday before getting the medical green light from the staff, according to Goal.com. “We hope to get Noussair back with us. He has trained a bit and will rejoin the squad, which is a step in the right direction for us,” Carrick had said, quoted by Goal.com. His full-back was back playing this weekend.
Manchester United 13th in the Premier League
The draw leaves Manchester United in a worrying 13th place in the Premier League, with 7 points from 7 matches and just one win, reports Mountakhab.net.
The match at Elland Road also marked the 100th appearance of Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo in Manchester United colours, according to the club. The Red Devils’ next fixture is on matchday 8 of the Premier League, the following weekend.