Manchester United secured one of the Premier League’s standout bargains in 2024 when they signed Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for just £12.8 million.

The Moroccan international quickly became one of Ruben Amorim’s most trusted players, praised as “incredible” and “the future” after only two appearances.

United’s new Ineos-led structure oversaw that deal in their first summer transfer window, alongside the high-profile signing of Leny Yoro.

Yet it was Mazraoui who proved to be the most effective addition, offering versatility across five different positions and delivering consistent performances throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

By any measure, his value exceeded the transfer fee. Even at £40 million, Mazraoui’s impact would have been seen as fair return. At £12.8 million, it was exceptional business.

Injury History Casts Shadow Over Bargain

The low fee came with a clear risk. Mazraoui arrived in Manchester with a troubling record of injuries during his time at Bayern Munich.

Between 2020 and 2024, he suffered 16 separate setbacks, missing 331 days and sitting out 73 matches. In his final season in Germany, he managed the equivalent of just 13 full games.

That background made his first year at Old Trafford remarkable. Mazraoui featured in 57 matches across domestic and European competitions, defying his past record and showing the reliability Bayern never enjoyed. But such durability has proven difficult to sustain.

The cracks began to appear again ahead of this season. Mazraoui missed all of pre-season through injury, although he did join the squad on their US tour.

So far he has played only 132 minutes from a possible 630 in competitive action, starting two games and appearing in three overall.

Amorim has already confirmed that Mazraoui will miss the clash with Sunderland after sitting out the Brentford draw. He is expected to return following the international break, though uncertainty remains over whether Morocco will include him in their squad.

For United, the task now is managing his workload carefully to avoid a repeat of the injury struggles that plagued his Bayern career.

Last season showed Mazraoui’s potential to become a cornerstone of Amorim’s side, but maintaining fitness will determine whether his transfer continues to be viewed as one of the bargains of the decade or a gamble that caught up with them.