Juventus ready to exploit United’s chaos with raid for “outstanding” defender, he is “considering” an exit – report

Juventus are plotting a move for Manchester United full-back Noussair Mazraoui amid swirling uncertainty at Old Trafford, according to a new report from Italy. The Old Lady is on the hunt La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals the Serie A giant are prioritising an overhaul out wide this month, with a new winger and right-back on the agenda. Juventus are locked in a red-hot title race, with just six points separating Inter Milan in first and AS Roma in fifth, while the Old Lady are currently fourth. Luciano Spalletti has settled on a midfield partnership of Manuel Locatelli and Khéphren Thuram in recent months, turning attention to the wings rather than the centre of the pitch. Sporting director Marco Ottolini has identified Mazraoui, 28, as a “versatile” target who can provide cover on both flanks, as the right-back is currently demonstrating with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he is playing on the left to accommodate Achraf Hakimi. This adaptability, as well as Mazraoui’s extensive experience at Europe’s biggest clubs — having previously played for Bayern Munich and Ajax before joining United — is considered essential by Juventus’ recruitment department. Other targets were under consideration, but La Gazzetta dello Sport contends the Moroccan is quickly growing as a priority in Turin — with the Italian side keen to exploit the chaotic situation unfolding in Manchester. A State of Flux The Red Devils are currently reeling from the shock departure of Ruben Amorim this week. INEOS brought an end to his tumultuous tenure on Monday morning, with the Portuguese coach having produced the club’s worst record in the Premier League era. Ruben Amorim managerial stats at Man United PlayedWonDrawnLostWin % 6324182138 Mazraoui, a right-back by trade, was redeployed as a centre-back or wing-back in Amorim’s system. And while the 28-year-old technician is adaptable enough to play both roles, there was a sense it was an uncomfortable fit. La Gazzetta dello Sport reveals Mazraoui is “waiting” to return from AFCON and understand INEOS’s plan moving forward, with a caretaker manager expected to be appointed until the end of the season. A long-term replacement for Amorim will then be sourced over the summer. But the Italian newspaper reports Mazraoui is “considering a change of scenery” amidst this state of flux at Old Trafford, with the defender having one eye on the World Cup this summer. United are understood to have ruled out any sales this month, however, with the only prospect of a departure being if a new player arrives. Joshua Zirkzee continues to be linked with a return to Italy, with AS Roma hot on his heels. But the Dutch forward has been largely ineffective since joining United, and a replacement up front would almost certainly be an upgrade. Mazraoui is a different case entirely. Signed for a bargain £15 million, the Moroccan is an excellent presence, on and off the pitch, and United would not be able to find a comparable player for such a price. Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Image 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.