Manchester United’s Summer Rebuild: Paul Parker on de Ligt, Mazraoui, and Zirkzee

Following a tough start to the season, Manchester United have seen an upturn in form with a 3-0 win against Southampton on Saturday which was followed by a 7-0 win against Barnsley. We had the chance to catch up with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker who gave us the rundown on his thoughts on the United summer recruits and how they’ve fitted into life at United and the Premier League so far.

Paul Parker Praises de Ligt’s Impact

At the age of 25, De Ligt has already won the league title in three countries with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich. Yet this summer he found his career was at a standstill. Surplus to requirement at Bayern Munich and out of favour with his national team at the Euro 2024 tournament. In steps Manchester United, Erik ten Hag and INEOS which saw De Ligt agree to a five-year deal, with the option to extend for a further year. De Ligt has started the last two United games, scoring in the 3-0 win over Southampton and Parker believes United already a better ball playing outfit with the addition of de Ligt.

“de Ligt adds more pace and the ball shifts quicker with him in the back line. The oil issue with the defence right now is they don’t have a left footed left back because of Shaw’s injuries. Dalot has done a great job but you do need that outlet. It’s a problem. That wide left player who is Rashford right now would benefit from having a left footed left back. It’ll be interesting to see how Shaw fits in when he comes back. There’s no time to wait. It’s crazy that Luke Shaw went to the Euro’s when he shouldn’t have.” 

Parker on United’s Loss and West Ham’s Gain

Right back is an area of the pitch United have been eager to strengthen for some time and they were able to double up in the Bayern Munich shopping window by signing Morocco full back Noussair Mazraoui alongside de Ligt.  Mazraoui, who can play as a right back or left back, has a contract until June 2028, also with the option to extend for a further year. Parker is a well documented Aaron Wan Bisaka fan and was gutted when West Ham United signed Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United for £15m, penning a seven-year deal with the Hammers. He made close to 200 appearances for United and Parker feels United didn’t get enough value for the defender when he was sold. 

“I am a big Wan Bisakka fan. I like what he does. I think he was sold too cheaply. West Ham fans have taken to him already. Mazraoui has come in and pundits questioned him because he can’t get in the Bayern Munich team. There’s so much politics in football now and managers don’t have the say because of the way contracts are written so when a player isn’t playing, you can’t judge them.” 

Mazraoui Labelled Best United Right Back Since Ferguson Era?

Despite being disappointed in seeing Wan-Bisakka leave, Parker has shared his enthusiasm for the signing of Mazraoui, labelling him the best right back United have had since Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge. He also warns Dalot he will have a fight on his hands to get back into the team when Luke Shaw returns to the side. 

“Kimmich was playing in front of him but that was quite tactical. Bayern are one of the most political clubs with the old boys that sit and watch the club play and be involved in the club. But everyone at United has latched onto Mazroui and for £13m they have 100% improved at right back.”

“He’s not as good in terms of 1 vs 1 defending but as a right back he’s got everything you want in today’s game. He’s one of the best right backs United have had since Sir Alex Ferguson’s day based on these early games. He’s put some solid footings and has made the right back position his own. Dalot is going to have to work to get game time if Luke Shaw comes back fit. I think Mazraoui has got more about him. I hope de Ligt can follow and play games consistently.”

Zirkzee fitness a cause for concern

With United already having one talented, young but untried forward in Rasmus Højlund, the addition of Joshua Zirkzee raised eyebrows this summer. The Dutchman has made a name for himself due to his close control, game understanding and ability to drop deep and link up. The deal itself was worth £36.5 million (€42.5 million) in which he signed a five-year contract, with the option for an additional year, making him one of the key signings of United’s 2024 summer transfer window.,His pre season with Bologna and United was disrupted by the Euro’s which may have impacted his fitness and sharpness and according to Parker it’s something to keep an eye on. 

“Once Højlund is back from injury he will start because you need a focal point. He’s needed. I can’t see how Zirkzee gets in the team. Who do you take out to bring him in? Do you take out a wide player? Unless ten Hag changes the system I can’t see how Zirkzee plays and I don’t know his best position. Can he win the ball back? I look at him and when he starts games, his socks are around his ankles and he looks like he’s ran a half marathon before he’s even started a game. I’m not sure how fit he is. There’s no great burst in his runs or a change of pace. He’s very one paced. I just don’t know. Capello said the pace of the game in England has caught Zirkzee off guard.”