Manchester United could still be forced into a major late-window decision over Noussair Mazraoui, with AC Milan continuing to track the defender’s situation before the transfer deadline. As per Caught Offside, the 28-year-old is still being considered while Milan assess their defensive choices, and there is a familiar name at the heart of the developing story.

Ruben Amorim, now managing Milan, knows Mazraoui well from their time together at Old Trafford. That link is significant. It has been reported that Amorim remains an admirer of the Morocco international, having previously described him as a “technical” player, and that existing relationship gives the situation added weight as the transfer market moves into a crucial stage.

Sources close to the agents industry are believed to think Milan’s interest has fluctuated throughout the summer, which fits with the broader uncertainty surrounding their defensive planning. There is also the added detail that “Mazraoui switched representation to Panthera during the transfer window which has indicated his intention of a move away from Old Trafford.” That does not prove anything on its own, but it naturally brings greater attention to his future.

From United’s point of view, the contract situation is favourable. Mazraoui only joined from Bayern Munich in August 2024 and “His contract runs until 2028, giving United a strong negotiating position.” There is no clear need to sell unless an offer arrives that is too good to ignore.

This is where the reasoning becomes more straightforward. Mazraoui is the sort of squad player top clubs often value even more as a campaign progresses. He can play as a full-back, wing-back or on the right side of a back three, and that kind of versatility is not easy to replace without significant spending. As the source states, “He may not always be guaranteed a starting position, but his tactical flexibility gives United valuable cover across several areas of the defence.”

Because of that, any departure should only happen on United’s terms. “With Mazraoui under contract for another two years and capable of covering multiple positions, any sale should come at a price that allows the club to properly replace him.” That appears to be the central point in this entire situation.

From the perspective of a Manchester United supporter, there would be reason for caution here. Not because Mazraoui is impossible to sell, but because United have made too many avoidable squad-management errors in recent years. Letting useful and experienced players go before rebuilding depth properly has become an unhealthy pattern, and Mazraoui looks exactly like the sort of player the club could regret losing in November if injuries begin to pile up.

He may not be the headline name supporters build a team around, but every serious side needs footballers who can perform several roles effectively. If he leaves for a relatively modest fee, United would almost certainly need to spend more than that just to replace his flexibility, quite apart from his experience. That would represent poor business.

There is also the familiar concern that past relationships can fuel transfer speculation. Amorim’s admiration for him is understandable, and the idea of a reunion is an easy story to push, but United should not help another club solve a squad problem unless the return is substantial. If Milan want him, they should pay the right price.

From a supporter’s viewpoint, the issue should be simple. Keep him unless the offer is strong enough to fund a clear upgrade. Anything less would feel like yet another short-term move being presented as smart planning. United have already seen too many of those.