Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui has opened up about his decision to join Manchester United, following a summer transfer from Bayern Munich. The defender, who made the switch to Old Trafford in a deal worth £12.8 million, has shared his reasons for the move, citing the opportunity for personal growth and the stature of the Premier League club as key factors.
Mazraoui, a former Bayern Munich player, joined United alongside teammate Matthijs de Ligt, who was signed for £42.7 million.
The 26-year-old right-back is expected to strengthen Manchester United’s defense and provide much-needed depth in Erik ten Hag’s squad as they aim for domestic and European success.
Speaking about his decision to leave the Bundesliga champions, Mazraoui emphasized his desire for a fresh challenge after two seasons in Germany.
Reflecting on his time at Bayern, he acknowledged the experience gained but felt it was time for a new chapter in his career.
“I think if you compare both of them, you cannot say one is bigger than the other,” Mazraoui said when discussing Bayern Munich and Manchester United.
“Maybe internationally speaking, United is probably even bigger than Bayern, so that’s one of the reasons.”
His comments highlight the global stature of Manchester United, a club with a rich history and a massive fan base that extends beyond football, making it an attractive destination for top players worldwide.
Mazraoui also touched on his personal motivations for the transfer, admitting that while he felt comfortable in Munich, he believed he could find a better fit elsewhere.
The decision to leave the Bundesliga champions wasn’t just about footballing ambition but also a quest for greater personal satisfaction.
“I felt okay there, but I felt I could feel better and more comfortable somewhere else and that’s why I chose to change clubs,” Mazraoui explained.
His comments suggest that the move to Old Trafford was as much about lifestyle and the desire for a change in environment as it was about footballing aspirations.
The defender further elaborated that United’s interest was difficult to resist, as the opportunity to play for one of the world’s most iconic clubs was a clear incentive.
“United came in and I don’t think I have to explain why I joined such a club.”
Mazraoui’s arrival at Manchester United is expected to bolster their defensive options, providing cover and competition at right-back.
His versatility and attacking mindset, honed during his time at Bayern Munich, are traits that Ten Hag values as the team looks to build on recent improvements and challenge for titles on multiple fronts.
While he acknowledged that he had no control over the financial negotiations between the two clubs, Mazraoui expressed his satisfaction with how the deal unfolded, focusing instead on what he hopes to achieve with the Red Devils.
“It’s not me who decides the fee, so I can’t really say anything about the negotiations between United and Bayern,” he stated, choosing instead to concentrate on the footballing reasons behind his transfer.
As Mazraoui begins his new journey with Manchester United, the club’s fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the demands of the Premier League.
Known for his dynamic style of play and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, the Moroccan defender is expected to be a key figure in United’s push for success this season.
For Mazraoui, the move represents an exciting step forward in his career, and his decision to swap Munich for Manchester could prove to be a defining moment as he looks to make his mark at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
