For supporters tracking Manchester United developments through a Crickex Affiliate portal, Noussair Mazraoui’s decision to appoint a new representative may initially have looked like a sign that he was preparing to leave Old Trafford. The Morocco international has joined Panthera Agency, prompting speculation that a summer transfer could be on the cards. In reality, however, his change of agency has nothing to do with a desire to leave United.
After holding talks with head coach Michael Carrick, Mazraoui decided to remain at Manchester United and will not consider a transfer this summer. Moroccan journalist Abujad Soufiane explained that the defender had attracted interest and received approaches from several clubs, particularly after his impressive World Cup performances.
“However, Mazraoui has decided to continue fighting alongside Manchester United,” Soufiane said. “He also held several direct conversations with Carrick. The coach stressed how important Mazraoui is to his future plans and assured him that he will be one of the key players Carrick intends to rely on next season.”
Soufiane also clarified why Mazraoui changed representatives. His contract with his previous agency had simply expired, allowing him to join Panthera, where several of his friends are already represented. There was no disagreement or transfer-related motive behind the decision.
At 28, Mazraoui is primarily a right-back, but his versatility remains one of his greatest strengths. He can also operate at left-back, centre-back or even as a wide midfielder. His ability to stay available for selection is equally valuable in a United squad that has frequently struggled with injuries. Anyone viewing his role through a Crickex Affiliate sports platform can understand why Carrick considers him an important part of the team. Mazraoui’s current contract runs until the summer of 2028, while United also hold an option to extend it by another year.
Reports earlier this month suggested that new AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim wanted to sign Mazraoui from Manchester United during the summer transfer window. Amorim rated the Moroccan highly while managing the Red Devils and reportedly included him among the six most influential leaders in the dressing room.
No negotiations have taken place, and there has been no direct contact between the clubs. Nevertheless, Mazraoui is undoubtedly a player Amorim admires. Milan could still make a move later in the transfer window, but at present, the situation reflects the coach’s appreciation of the defender rather than an active transfer operation. The ball is now in Milan’s court.
Amorim recently admitted publicly that he made numerous mistakes during his time as Manchester United manager, although he insisted that the experience taught him valuable lessons. Speaking at a press conference during Milan’s preseason tour of Australia, he said the past was no longer important but acknowledged that honest self-reflection had helped him improve.
“I learned a great deal,” Amorim said. “It is difficult to identify the single most important lesson, but I clearly understood that I made many mistakes. When you reflect in that way and recognize that the problems were not only caused by other people but also by yourself, I believe you can become a better coach and a better person.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Altay Bayindir faces a far more uncertain future. The Turkey international started several matches under Amorim early last season, but he may not play at all during the new campaign unless he secures a move away from Old Trafford. United have already signed Karl Darlow to take over the second-choice goalkeeper position.
The club granted the 28-year-old an extended break in the hope that he could find a new team. Several leading Turkish clubs, including former side Fenerbahce and Besiktas, have regularly been linked with him, but no deal has made meaningful progress.
For those following Bayindir’s situation through a Crickex Affiliate service, his return to Manchester United after the World Cup offered little indication that his future had become any clearer. He has now rejoined the club’s goalkeeper training group while waiting for a possible transfer. Asked directly about what comes next, Bayindir gave an honest response: “I have no idea. We can only wait and see. Time will tell us everything.”