Manchester United have been dealt a sucker blow by West Ham after the Hammers had a bid accepted for Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui. The Moroccan was reportedly the Red Devils’ top target in the position this summer. 

It was reported by Sky Sports yesterday that West Ham and Bayern Munich had reached an agreement of €16m + €3.5m in performance related add-ons over the transfer of Mazraoui. A brilliant deal for the Hammers.

Erik Ten Hag has been left disappointed by this news as he wanted to reunite with the defender that played 137 matches for him during his time at Ajax. United were hoping that West Ham would sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka, so they could make a move for Mazraoui. However, West Ham were put off by the transfer fee, so instead they moved for the Moroccan.

Noussair Mazraoui was very happy at the prospect of joining the Hammers. He has reportedly already agreed personal terms on a contract in East London. The Moroccan was reportedly persuaded to join the club by his former Ajax teammates Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez. He has seemingly chosen a link-up with them over Ten Hag and Lisandro Martinez.

Mazraoui will be a very welcome addition to the West Ham squad. His passing range will be something that impresses Julen Lopetegui, his ability to fit in a possession base system was proven at Ajax. Thanks to his persistent scanning and recognition of the situation deep of him, Mazraoui is good at knowing when to peel or hold wide and when to tuck inside and move further into the centre or attacking line. He has been criticised for his defensve ability in the past, especially at Ajax.

However, he proved in the 2022 World Cup he was more than capable defensively as he lined up next to Nayef Aguerd at left-back for the Atlas Lions. Again proving his worth to new manager Julen Lopetegui by being versatile. With Coufal impressing last season and 35-year-old being the back-up left back to Emerson, we could see Mazraoui playing left-back for West Ham.

Manchester United have been left a bit embarrassed by the situation, as they were expecting Wan-Bissaka to move to East London. The Red Devils will now make a move for Inter Milan and Netherlands right back Denzel Dumfries. According to the Express, United are said to have explored alternative options by hosting talks between intermediaries over a potential swap deal involving Dumfries and Wan-Bissaka.