Fabrizio Romano explains United’s stance on dependable ace leaving amid interest from European giants

Manchester United are undergoing a period of significant change at the moment. The Red Devils parted ways with former head coach Ruben Amorim at the start of the year following a turbulent 14 months in charge, and have appointed Michael Carrick as caretaker manager this week. The Portuguese’s departure has added to the uncertainty surrounding the club, and has also fuelled speculation regarding the future of several players. Amorim streamlined his squad to fit his 3-4-3 system during his tenure, but the club is expected to abandon the formation going forward. The futures of Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom struggled under the Portuguese head coach, remain unclear at the moment. Meanwhile, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that Juventus are eyeing a move for Noussair Mazraoui. Acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the matter. Mazraoui not in talks to leave Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted there have been no concrete talks regarding Mazraoui’s possible departure from United. He said: “Mazraoui, we’re getting a lot of questions today, guys, apart from the fact that the player is busy in the Africa Cup of Nations and therefore there’s nothing imminent, nothing concrete, about Mazraoui up to this point.” “Let’s say the same thing we said about Zirkzee is valid, the same thing we said about Kobbie Mainoo is valid. Manchester United is going through a moment of change. I think this is always a bit underestimated when it comes to United.” “It’s easy to name United players, but then signing them means talking to a club undergoing a profound transformation, with just a few weeks of transfer window left, and a recent change of manager. Carrick arrived, and another will probably arrive in the summer.” “So United’s idea is to change as little as possible today and then make a major change with a new manager in the summer. So today, signing Mazraoui, who plays on the right or left, can be a very versatile player. I think it won’t be that simple. We’ll see if Juventus try. We’ll tell you about it here.” Mazraoui’s record at Old Trafford Mazraoui arrived at United from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024 for a reported £12.8 million fee, which increasingly looks like a bargain. The Moroccan full-back enjoyed an impressive start to life at Old Trafford and was voted the club’s Player of the Month for November 2024 by fans. The 28 year old is adept at operating on both flanks, making him an asset for the Red Devils. This season, he has registered nine appearances in the Premier League and is currently at AFCON with his national team. Nau MetricValue Appearances (Sub)9 (3) xG0.02 xA0.24 Touches in the Opposition Box6 Crosses (Completed %)10 (30%) Passes (Completed %)264 (87%) Long Passes (Completed %)26 (58%) Minutes Played442 Dribbles (Completed %)7 (57%) Duels Won29 Aerial Duels Won6 Total Tackles13 Interceptions7 Blocks2 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards1 Fouls5 Source: Premier League website. On Wednesday, Mazraoui helped his national team reach the final of the prestigious tournament. United have missed their star player in the past seven games in which he has been away, managing just one win in his absence. Final Thoughts The Red Devils have reverted to a back four following Amorim’s departure, and while Diogo Dalot started at right-back under interim manager Darren Fletcher, Mazraoui is the more natural choice for the position. The Moroccan’s ability to slot in at left-back also makes him the ideal cover for Patrick Dorgu, so United are unlikely to let him go anytime soon. Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.