Mazraoui: I have become a fans favourite at MU but I had no idea they loved me

Noussair Mazraoui has quickly endeared himself to Man Utd fans and is receiving as much love from the coaching staff as he does from the terraces.

Until this week, Noussair Mazraoui has never played as a central defender. That he has taken on a specialist role in a new system with minimal fuss will come as no surprise to the supporters who have been quick to take the Moroccan to heart at Old Trafford.

Mazraoui has only made 19 appearances for Manchester United, but he has already played in four different positions. In just two games, the 27-year-old seems tailor-made for the right central defender in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system

With United building play in the back three and defending as a four, Mazraoui's versatility to switch between center back and right back is invaluable. Along with Bruno Fernandes, he is the only outfield player to have played every minute of Amorim's first two games in charge, and the head coach is happy with what he sees

“He is an incredible player, he is our future,” Amorim said of Mazraoui after the win against Bodo/Glimt. “He played in different positions, he always looks fresh, but we have to be careful. There are many games, but he is here to stay. This kind of player is what we need.”

Mazraoui has looked carefree as he adapts to a new role, and while the way he sees the game has changed, he is enjoying the benefits

“This is the first time. It's fun. You have to look at the game differently because you are not as high up the pitch as when you are a full-back,” he said

“But you get more time on the ball and you have to make the most of it in the build-up. There are some different things I have to do, but it's still the same game.”

Amorim has road-tested 17 different starters in his first two games, but Mazraoui looks like someone who is ready for a long-term role, with the Portuguese describing him as the type of player he needs.

“It's a big compliment to hear the coach say that,” he said. “What can I say? I do my best every day and in every match. I give everything for the team, for the coach and for the supporters

“We are all in this together. It's not about one player.

United's spending over three summer spells under Erik ten Hag amounted to more than £600 million. Mazraoui was one of the cheaper signings, with an initial price of £12.8m, with a further £4.2m in add-ons, but he looks like a bargain

Supporters have already taken him to their hearts. His combative style is celebrated on social media and his understated passion and dedication have won over a fanbase disappointed with the team's start to the season.

Mazraoui underwent minor surgery after complaining of heart palpitations in September, but after initially being told he would be sidelined for a few weeks, he ultimately did not miss a match. That is the kind of dedication that has made him such a popular figure at Old Trafford, although when it was put to him he was unaware of his status.

“To be honest, I haven't seen much [about that]but it makes me feel really good to hear that about the fans. “I love the fans and I always say in every interview that I give everything for them,” he said

“I hope and I think they see that, that I give everything for the badge and for the supporters. Everyone wants to go home with a win and if I can give that to them as a player and as a team, then that's what you do .” it for.

Mazraoui has seen Amorim's start at Old Trafford up close, with a draw against Ipswich followed by a win against Bodo Glimt

There have been a lot of changes as the head coach has introduced his 3-4-3 system to a new group of players and while Mazraoui accepts it will take time for everyone to adapt, he is confident in the player's ability to do just that to do.

“I think if you want to implement a new style of play that is not even close to how we played before, none of us can expect to understand everything the manager has in his head from the start,” he said.

“So yes, of course this is going to be a tough time, but come on, we are all top players and we play the game to win. Ultimately we get where the coach wants us

“We have incredible players. Of course we can adapt and I think we are showing that. We have to get used to the new style, but I don't think it will take too long.”