Football fans, brace yourselves—another Manchester United star is sidelined! Right-back Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be out for a few weeks after undergoing a minor heart procedure, and this news couldn’t come at a worse time for embattled manager Erik ten Hag. The injury list at Old Trafford just keeps growing, and with United struggling for form this season, Mazraoui’s absence only adds to the pressure cooker atmosphere surrounding the Red Devils.
Heart Scare Strikes Again: Mazraoui’s Concerning History
It all started during United’s goalless draw with Aston Villa. Mazraoui was subbed off at half-time after feeling unwell, and things took a worrying turn when he later pulled out of the Moroccan national team due to heart palpitations. Fast forward a few days, and the 26-year-old has now undergone a corrective heart procedure to address the issue, which club sources say is “relatively common.” United insists he’ll make a full recovery in a matter of weeks, but it’s not the first time the defender has faced a heart-related scare.
If you’re feeling déjà vu, there’s a reason. Back in 2023, Mazraoui missed three months of action for Bayern Munich after suffering from heart complications related to Covid-19. During that terrifying period, Mazraoui dealt with inflammation of the pericardium, the membrane around the heart, and it wasn’t until March of that year that he was cleared to return. Now, despite these being different conditions, United fans can’t help but feel uneasy about their summer signing’s health.
Another Hit for United’s Injury-Cursed Defence
Mazraoui’s absence marks yet another painful blow to a Manchester United squad that’s been absolutely ravaged by injuries this season—particularly in defence. Ten Hag, already facing questions over United’s disastrous start to the Premier League campaign, now has even more selection headaches to deal with.
It’s a grim situation. Left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are still sidelined, with Shaw not featuring since February and Malacia last playing in May of last year after knee surgery. The pair’s absence has left a gaping hole on the left side of United’s defence. Meanwhile, new centre-back signing Leny Yoro hasn’t yet kicked a ball for United due to injury, and Harry Maguire has been ruled out for weeks with a muscle problem.
To say United are scraping the bottom of the barrel defensively would be an understatement.
Injuries Pile On – Is Erik ten Hag’s Job Under Threat?
We’ve got to talk about Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman, who came into this season with high hopes of building on last year’s progress, is under serious pressure. Injuries decimated his squad last season, and it’s looking like déjà vu for United, with the current campaign following a hauntingly similar path.
Adding Mazraoui’s heart issue to the growing list of casualties is a bitter pill for the United boss to swallow. It doesn’t stop there, though—England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho, and winger Amad Diallo all withdrew from international duty as injury precautions. The situation is bleak.
And it shows in the results. United are currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with just eight points from seven games—their worst-ever start to a Premier League season. With injuries stacking up and the team underperforming, whispers about Ten Hag’s future are growing louder. Will the international break provide the respite he desperately needs, or will the pressure reach a breaking point when United face Brentford in their first game back?
A Difficult Road to Recovery for Mazraoui
Let’s zoom in on Noussair Mazraoui for a second. The Moroccan international arrived at Old Trafford this summer from Bayern Munich in a £15 million deal, and he’s made 10 appearances so far in a United shirt. When fit, he’s been a solid option on the right side of defence, offering versatility and experience.
But with Mazraoui’s heart issues surfacing again, United will have to tread carefully with his recovery. While the club has assured fans that his condition is “relatively common” and not the same as his previous heart problem, they’ll surely be monitoring him closely to avoid any further complications. After all, player health should be priority number one.
Mazraoui has already proven that he’s a fighter, bouncing back from heart complications once before, and United will be hoping he can do it again. The question is, how long can United afford to be without him?
United’s Next Challenge: Brentford at Old Trafford
As if the injury crisis wasn’t enough, Manchester United have to quickly turn their attention to the upcoming clash with Brentford. The international break might provide a slight reprieve, but it’s not like United are overflowing with fit defenders to plug the gaps in their backline.
Ten Hag will need to dig deep into his squad options, and it might mean relying on some less-experienced players to step up. However, with Shaw, Malacia, Yoro, Maguire, and now Mazraoui all missing, Ten Hag’s options in defence are seriously depleted.
And let’s not forget, United aren’t just facing any team—they’re taking on a dangerous Brentford side that can expose defensive frailties. The last thing United need right now is more dropped points. A win could ease the pressure on Ten Hag, but a loss might spark even more questions about his future at the club.
Can Ten Hag Weather the Storm?
The real question hanging over Manchester United right now is whether Erik ten Hag can weather the storm. His debut season had its ups and downs, but there was a sense of optimism that he could restore United to their former glory. Now, seven games into the new season, things are looking bleak.
With injuries ripping through his squad and results not going his way, Ten Hag finds himself in a precarious position. The Dutchman is known for his tactical acumen, but even the best managers struggle when they’re forced to constantly reshuffle their lineups due to injuries. Will he be able to navigate this injury crisis and turn United’s fortunes around, or is the writing on the wall?
The upcoming game against Brentford will give us a clearer picture of where United are headed. One thing’s for sure: United fans are hoping for some good news, because right now, the injury updates just keep coming.
Mazraoui’s Journey Isn’t Over
While Noussair Mazraoui will be missed in the coming weeks, it’s important to remember that his journey is far from over. The Moroccan star has already overcome significant health challenges, and there’s every reason to believe he’ll return stronger and ready to make an impact for Manchester United once again.
As we’ve seen before with athletes facing health issues, the road to recovery can be long and filled with uncertainty. However, Mazraoui’s resilience and United’s medical team will hopefully ensure a full recovery in time for him to make his mark on the second half of the season. Until then, it’s fingers crossed for a smooth and speedy recovery.
