Man United’s new signing, Mazraoui diagnosed with heart disease

Manchester United’s summer signing Noussair Mazraoui is expected to be sidelined for the next two months due to a diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia.

This news arrives as the club grapples with their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, having managed only eight points from their first seven matches.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Mazraoui, who joined the club for £17 million, has been diagnosed with a condition that disrupts the regularity of heartbeats.

Cardiac arrhythmia can result in the heart beating too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. However, with appropriate management, many individuals can lead normal lives, according to the NHS.

The Daily Mail highlights that Mazraoui’s absence is a significant setback for manager Erik ten Hag, as the 26-year-old has been a key player, participating in all of United’s Premier League matches this season.

He has adjusted well to life at Old Trafford, notably providing an assist in the team’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in August.

This isn’t Mazraoui’s first health scare related to his heart. In January 2023, while playing for Bayern Munich, he was diagnosed with heart tissue inflammation after contracting COVID-19.

This issue caused him to miss Morocco’s World Cup quarter-final win against Portugal, with further tests revealing inflammation in his pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.

Mazraoui’s situation is part of a broader trend in football, as several high-profile players have faced serious heart-related health issues in recent years.

His current teammate, Christian Eriksen, experienced a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland but successfully returned to professional football after receiving an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Similarly, Sergio Aguero retired from football in 2021 after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia, following chest pains while playing for Barcelona.

As Manchester United navigates this challenging start to the season, they will need to find ways to adapt to the loss of Mazraoui and continue to compete in the Premier League.

The issue of heart conditions in football has also seen more tragic outcomes. In August, 27-year-old Uruguayan player Juan Izquierdo passed away after collapsing during a Copa Libertadores match due to cardiac arrhythmia.

Mazraoui’s situation will be closely monitored as he takes time off to recover. His absence adds to Manchester United’s growing list of challenges this season, including injuries to other key players like £52 million signing Leny Yoro, who has been sidelined since pre-season.