Why Noussair Mazraoui’s Manchester United future could survive AC Milan interest

With only a week remaining in the summer transfer window, Manchester United could face a late decision over Noussair Mazraoui, with AC Milan reportedly interested in taking the versatile defender to Italy.

Mazraoui has apparently indicated that he would like to leave Old Trafford, while former United boss Ruben Amorim is believed to be keen on reuniting with the Morocco international at Milan.

However, Michael Carrick could have compelling reasons to resist a departure.

United remain in a period of transition after several turbulent seasons under Erik ten Hag and Amorim. Carrick brought some stability to the side and helped restore confidence before guiding the club back into the Champions League.

That progress means United arguably need continuity rather than another major overhaul.

Carrick needs stability

The Red Devils have already seen several notable changes this summer, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arriving, while Jadon Sancho, Altay Bayindir, Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund have departed.

Compared with the volume of business conducted by clubs such as Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, United’s activity has been relatively limited.

That may actually suit Carrick.

Rather than making wholesale changes, the United manager could prioritise strengthening key areas while retaining players who can provide depth and tactical flexibility.

Mazraoui falls firmly into that category.

Although there have been suggestions that United could pursue Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde to provide competition for Luke Shaw, losing Mazraoui at the same time would leave Carrick without one of his most adaptable defensive options.

Mazraoui’s versatility could save him

The 28-year-old can operate at full-back, wing-back or as part of a back three, giving Carrick several tactical options.

His future has nevertheless become uncertain, particularly after a campaign in which injuries and illness restricted his involvement.

Mazraoui made 20 appearances last season, starting 11 matches and accumulating just 984 minutes in all competitions.

Four separate injuries and an illness kept him out for 15 games, continuing a frustrating run of fitness problems over the past few seasons.

Yet his limited playing time does not tell the full story of what he can offer.

The numbers make a case for keeping him

Mazraoui won 16 of the 28 tackles he attempted last season, giving him a 57.14 per cent success rate.

He also recorded 54 clearances, 28 headed clearances, 46 ball recoveries and 14 interceptions despite his restricted minutes.

His strongest attribute, however, was arguably his performance in one-on-one duels.

Mazraoui won 68 of the 108 duels he contested, producing a 62.96 per cent success rate. Only Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven had better figures among United’s outfield players.

His passing statistics also underline his value. Mazraoui completed 82.21 per cent of his passes, a figure surpassed only by Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo within the squad.

Milan interest may not be enough

Those figures could persuade Carrick that Mazraoui remains too valuable to lose, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding United’s defensive options.

Amorim is reportedly attracted to the defender’s technical ability and could push for a reunion in Milan, but United are under no obligation to sell.

Mazraoui’s contract runs until the summer of 2028, leaving the club in a strong negotiating position unless Milan produces an offer considered too good to reject.

The situation could become even more significant after United’s shock 2026/27 opening-day defeat by Hull City.

With Champions League football to navigate and Carrick attempting to build a more stable United side, sacrificing a versatile and statistically reliable defender may be a risk the manager is unwilling to take.

For all Mazraoui’s desire to move on, Carrick could ultimately decide that keeping him is the safer option.