Manchester United defender’s agent change fuels transfer speculation
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has reportedly changed agents, a move that has intensified speculation regarding his future at Old Trafford. This development comes amidst reports linking the Morocco international with a potential transfer to AC Milan.
Reports from earlier this summer suggested that Ruben Amorim, the new manager of AC Milan and a former United head coach, is interested in a reunion with Mazraoui. The Serie A club is reportedly seeking a wing-back to fit Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation, with Mazraoui identified as a suitable candidate for this role.
Italian reports indicate that AC Milan would pursue a move for the United defender if decision-makers at Old Trafford signal their willingness to sell him. There are also reported concerns about the specific role the Moroccan World Cup star would play in Amorim’s system, particularly given his past experience as a centre-half under the Portuguese coach during their time together at Old Trafford.
Agent change and transfer implications
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mazraoui has signed with a new agency, Panthera, which will represent him moving forward. While this decision has fueled transfer speculation, it remains to be seen if there is a direct correlation between the agent change and a potential transfer this summer.
Previously, Mazraoui’s affairs were managed by agent Rafaela Pimenta, who is believed to have facilitated his transfer to United from Bayern Munich in August 2024. The defender’s latest move to change representation has drawn attention, with some suggesting it could indicate a desire for a departure from Manchester United.
Despite the speculation, it is considered premature to conclude that this agent change definitively signals Mazraoui is engineering an exit. However, the move is unlikely to alleviate concerns among supporters regarding his future at the club.
Mazraoui’s performance and club context
The 28-year-old defender made 20 appearances for United last season. He missed a significant portion of the campaign due to his participation in the African Cup of Nations. After returning from the winter tournament, Mazraoui initially found it challenging to regain his place in Michael Carrick’s side.
However, he eventually impressed the then-interim United head coach, successfully earning his spot back in the team. Carrick commented on Mazraoui’s return last season, stating, "Yeah he’s come back well, Nous. It was a difficult one, obviously, on the back of the final and how it panned out."
Carrick further added, "[He had] a few days to digest that then back in and around it. He’s been fantastic in and around the group and around training. Obviously, he came on at the end of the game and played a part for us, as you’d expect. So yeah, again [we want to] just keep thickening the squad, bolstering the squad and it’s great to have him back."
Mazraoui has been described as a reliable and consistent presence in the United backline since joining the club. His adaptability across various positions has been highlighted as a valuable asset throughout his career. Last season, he made 20 Premier League appearances, with 11 of those being starts.
His form continued into the World Cup with Morocco, where he contributed to the Atlas Lions reaching the quarter-finals before their elimination by Kylian Mbappé’s France. These impressive displays at the World Cup reportedly brought him to the attention of AC Milan, with Ruben Amorim expressing interest in him.
Reports suggest that AC Milan values Mazraoui’s experience at the highest level, believing it could be a significant benefit to their squad. As Manchester United continues its activity in the transfer window, seeking a third midfield signing, a left-back, a left-winger, and potentially a striker, the situation surrounding Mazraoui’s future remains a point of discussion.
Given that Mazraoui is 28 years old and considered to be in his peak years, the club would likely prefer to retain him while he continues to perform at this level. Official premium experiences at Old Trafford are currently available for the 26/27 Premier League season.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk