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Manchester United’s true feelings over Morocco’s refusal to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth have been revealed.
Mazraoui misses Bournemouth match
Mazraoui was not available for selection ahead of Ruben Amorim as United drew 4-4 with Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Monday evening.
Goals from Amad and Casemiro sent United heading into half-time 2-1, but Evanilson and Marcus Tavernier struck shortly after the restart, turning the match on its head and putting Bournemouth in the driver’s seat.
However, Bruno Fernandes struck an excellent free-kick to bring United level before Matheus Cunha made it 4-3, completing a brilliant counter-attack. Cunha thought he had won the match for United, but substitute Eli Junior Kroupi scored in the 84th minute to end a chaotic match.
In Mazraoui’s absence, Leny Yoro was deployed on the right side of Amorim’s favored three-man defensive unit.
Mazraoui was included in Morocco’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. Under FIFA rules, clubs are required to release players going to the tournament at least seven days before each country’s first match.
The release window started on December 15, the date the Bournemouth match took place, after it was moved to Monday for TV scheduling reasons.
The Daily mail report that United are unhappy that Morocco have rejected their request for Mazraoui to face the Cherries.
United were in talks with the federations of Morocco, Cameroon and Ivory Coast for Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad respectively. Mbeumo and Amad started against Andoni Iraola’s men.
United’s position on Morocco after Mazraoui’s criticism
The Mail reveals: “Manchester United are disappointed and frustrated after Morocco refused to let Noussair Mazraoui play against Bournemouth on Monday.”
“Sources say United feel they have been unfairly penalized because the match was switched. If the match had been scheduled for Saturday, Mazraoui would have been free to play, while Morocco would open their home Africa Cup of Nations match against Comoros on December 21.”
“United insisted that the 28-year-old remain in Manchester for the match against Bournemouth and escalated the matter to FIFA when Morocco refused.”
It is understood that FIFA sided with Morocco, leaving the Red Devils helpless.
United are “grateful” to Cameroon and Ivory Coast for allowing Mbeumo and Amad to play in the dramatic 4-4 draw.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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