Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui has revealed that he left Bayern Munich to try to feel 'more comfortable somewhere else'.
The 26-year-old was one of a number of major additions made by United during the summer transfer window, his arrival viewed as imperative after the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Mazraoui has since proven his ability at right-back, helping United keep three clean sheets in their opening five Premier League fixtures.
Supporters have generally been left pleasantly surprised by the performances of the Morocco international, who at one stage appeared on his way to West Ham United.
In two years at the Allianz Arena, just 26 starts were made in the Bundesliga, with a modest total of 55 appearances being accumulated in all competitions.
© Imago
'I needed new challenge'
Until one of Luke Shaw or Tyrell Malacia are deemed fit enough to return on the left, Mazraoui is an automatic pick on the right-hand side of the backline.
That is expected to remain the case when United play host to FC Twente in the Europa League on Thursday night, Erik ten Hag's side looking to kick off the league phase in style.
Speaking to reporters ahead of that fixture, Mazraoui has opened up on his satisfaction over how his first five weeks at the Theatre of Dreams have panned out.
He said: "I think if you compare both of them, you cannot say one is bigger than the other. Maybe internationally speaking, United is probably even bigger than Bayern, so that's one of the reasons.
"The other reason is I felt the summer after two seasons playing in Bayern that I needed and wanted to take another step, based on a lot of reasons.
"I felt okay there, but I felt I could feel better and more comfortable somewhere else and that's why I chose to change clubs. United came in and I don't think I have to explain why I joined such a club. It's not me who decides the fee, so I can't really say anything about the negotiations between United and Bayern.
"It worked out good for me because I was not that expensive and I made a good start, so it's easy for the fans to say I am a good buy this summer. The fans make positive comments, but it's still early. You hear some things, but this love from the fans is a really good feeling.
"I appreciate them and they appreciate me, so if we can start well like this, I always want to give them even more."
© Imago
How much did Mazraoui cost?
United paid a fee of £12.8m to get a deal for Mazraoui over the line, by far the lowest fee they spent on a first-team player during the summer window.
He signed a contract to remain at United until the end of the 2027-28 campaign.
Darren Plant
