Full-back Noussair Mazraoui has confidently asserted that Manchester United possess the talent to rise above their current predicament in the Premier League table.
Following a tumultuous week that saw Erik ten Hag relieved of his managerial duties and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy stepping in as caretaker, United found themselves locked in a tense 1-1 draw against bitter rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Sitting in 13th place with a mere three victories and 12 points, the Red Devils are experiencing their worst start to a campaign after 10 matches since the 1986-87 season.
Despite this, Mazraoui is adamant that the team deserved a better result from the weekend’s clash, insisting that their league position does not truly reflect their potential. “We fought really hard, but I think ultimately if you analyze the game and the chances we crafted, we should have won,” he told MUTV.
“Given the table’s current standings, you cannot say that’s where we belong. Everyone recognizes that, and we are well aware of it ourselves. It’s crucial that we elevate our performance and move away from this position quickly because this is simply not who we are.”
He reiterated his point by stating, “Just look at our display against Chelsea. We possess too much quality to be languishing here in the table.”
Echoing Mazraoui’s sentiments, Van Nistelrooy highlighted the resilient spirit displayed during the Chelsea match and the preceding Carabao Cup triumph against Leicester, signaling that United’s footballing prowess is set to emerge as they continue to gel under pressure.
On the other hand, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed concerns regarding some physical challenges in the match, notably suggesting that Lisandro Martinez should have received a red card for a late tackle on Cole Palmer.
When asked whether he felt the game was overly physical, Mazraoui disagreed, stating, “I believe it wasn’t too physical at all. It was a match filled with passion from both sides. For the supporters, it was an exciting match to watch, even with just the two goals. I think it was a fantastic spectacle for everyone involved.”
