Manchester United defender linked with exit amid agent change
Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has reportedly switched agents as speculation continues to mount regarding a potential departure from Old Trafford.
Reports earlier this summer suggested new AC Milan manager and former United boss Ruben Amorim was interested in reuniting with the Morocco international. The Serie A outfit is searching for a wing-back to feature in Amorim's favoured 3-4-3 system, with Mazraoui being considered.
Italian reports indicate the Serie A side would pursue a deal for the United defender, provided decision-makers at Old Trafford signal their willingness to sell.
Amorim had previously heaped praise on Mazraoui during his Old Trafford tenure, saying:
“He’s a top player. He understands the game. He knows how to attack, he’s very technical, he’s very good defensively and he’s very good one-on-one.”
There are, however, questions about what position the Moroccan World Cup star would occupy in Amorim's setup, having also featured as a centre-back under the Portuguese manager during his spell at Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Mazraoui has joined new agency Panthera, who will handle his representation going forward, though it's unclear whether there's any direct link between that choice and a potential transfer this summer.
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There are, however, questions about what position the Moroccan World Cup star would occupy in Amorim's setup, having also featured as a centre-back under the Portuguese manager during his spell at Old Trafford. According to Fabrizio Romano, Mazraoui has joined new agency Panthera, who will handle his representation going forward, though it's unclear whether there's any direct link between that choice and a potential transfer this summer.
Amorim, speaking in December 2024, added:
“He’s a modern player. I think he’s the future of our team. When you think about him, you think we need more players like Nous that can control the tempo, they are really, really good and comfortable with the ball. So, Nous, I’m really happy with him.”
The Moroccan defender was a regular for his country as they reached the latter stages of the World Cup, just a few months on from reaching the African Cup of Nations final.
The 28-year-old defender made 20 appearances for United last season, sitting out a substantial portion of the campaign for the African Cup of Nations.
Mazraoui found it difficult to regain his spot in Michael Carrick's team after coming back from the winter competition, but did catch the eye of the then-interim United manager, eventually reclaiming his place in the starting XI.
“Yeah he's come back well, Nous,” Carrick said last season after reintegrating Mazraoui back into the side.
“It was a difficult one, obviously, on the back of the final and how it panned out. “[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's switch to Panthera has added further fuel to the rumours surrounding his future, but for now there remains no confirmation that a transfer is imminent. Any move would still depend on United's stance, with AC Milan said to be monitoring the situation closely as Amorim weighs up the right profile for his system.
The 3-4-3 approach has been central to Amorim's coaching identity, and Mazraoui's versatility has made him an appealing candidate. The defender has played in multiple roles and is viewed by Amorim as a player with the technical quality and tactical understanding to fit into his plans, whether as a wing-back or in central defence.
At Old Trafford, that adaptability has helped him stay in contention despite competition and time away for international duty. The summer speculation now places his future under renewed scrutiny, with AC Milan potentially ready to test United's resolve if a sale becomes possible.
