Man Utd team news: Mazraoui as Reds prepare for crucial clash with Liverpool

Manchester United have received a major boost ahead of next weekend’s clash with Liverpool, with Noussair Mazraoui edging closer to a return from injury.

The Moroccan full-back, who joined United from Bayern Munich, has missed the last three games after picking up a muscle issue in training.

But Mazraoui has now resumed light work at Carrington and could be in contention to feature against Liverpool if he continues his progress this week.

Mazraoui, 27, was initially feared to be out for several weeks, but the club’s medical staff are said to be pleased with his recovery and will monitor him closely in the coming days.

His potential return would be a timely boost for Rúben Amorim, whose side have shown improvement in recent weeks following a difficult start to the season.

Amorim has made no secret of his admiration for Mazraoui’s qualities and believes the Morocco international will play a major part in his long-term plans at Old Trafford.

“Noussair is a top player,” Amorim said earlier this month. “He understands the game, he’s very technical, and very good defensively. He’s a modern full-back who fits perfectly with what we want to do here. He’s part of the future of this team.”

Mazraoui has impressed since his arrival, featuring on both flanks and adapting seamlessly to Amorim’s flexible 3-4-2-1 system.

His ability to move inside and help build play has been viewed as key to United’s tactical evolution this season.

The defender has also settled well off the pitch, forming close ties with Lisandro Martínez and Manuel Ugarte in the dressing room.

With United facing a challenging run of fixtures, Mazraoui’s recovery comes at a crucial time.

Meanwhile, United’s squad continued preparations for the weekend trip to Anfield at Carrington on Thursday.

Most of the squad were in action on the grass, although some players were absent, having been given additional time off.

They were those who had been on international travel or trained throughout the break. That included, among others, Casemiro — who captained his country — and Amad, who netted a wonderful free-kick as Ivory Coast clinched their World Cup spot with a 3-0 win over Kenya.

Eight youngsters joined the group in Jacob Devaney, Tyler Fletcher, Shea Lacey, Sam Mather, Bendito Mantato, Reece Munro, Chido Obi and Jim Thwaites.

Stay tuned to our platforms as later on Thursday we'll have exclusive images and video of the players arriving back at Carrington, following the break.