Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been impressed with one of the club’s top performers at the World Cup.
Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui has been Manchester United’s most consistent player at the World Cup so far.
He has helped Morocco to the quarter-finals where they will face France, after knockout victories over the Netherlands and Canada.
Erik ten Hag handed Mazraoui his debut at Ajax before signing him for Manchester United in 2024.
Now during his punditry work at World Cup 2026 in the Netherlands, Ten Hag has been talking up his former player.
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Ten Hag on Mazraoui
Speaking to the Algemeen Dagblad, Erik ten Hag explained how he was convinced to give Mazraoui a call into the Ajax first team.
Mazraoui was one of 23 players Ten Hag handed a debut to at Ajax, and he was the first one, called up for the manager’s third game in charge.
Ten Hag said: “He was athletic, super-technical, and always offensively oriented. That is why we decided to give him a chance as a right-back. Well, that turned out to be a masterstroke, yes. Nous became our man there.”
He also praised Mazraoui’s character, adding: “Don’t come up with nonsense. He sees right through that. But once that bond of trust is established, he will walk through fire for you.”
Mazraoui was one of the rare successful signings under Ten Hag at Manchester United.
How would YOU rate Noussair Mazraoui’s 2025/26 season?
He ends the season with 20 appearances, 0 goals and assists…
Mazraoui has bounced back from middling season
Noussair Mazraoui had an inconsistent season at club level for Manchester United, with Diogo Dalot establishing himself as the club’s first choice right-back under Michael Carrick.
Mazraoui remains an important part of the squad, and there will need to be a lot more rotation next season.
The World Cup has served as an important reminder of his talent, and he is benefiting from being a little fresher than some others.
Mazraoui has played at left-back for Morocco, and he has also filled in at centre-back.
He faces a huge test up next as Morocco take on France in the quarter-finals.
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