Noussair Mazraoui joined Manchester United just months before Erik ten Hag was sacked, before forming a strong working relationship with Ruben Amorim.
Erik ten Hag will be forever questioned for some of the players he brought to Manchester United, with fans capable of arguing all day about the worst player to arrive during that period.
While Antony would be a strong contender, it’s also worth noting that Ten Hag made signings that have benefited his successor, Ruben Amorim.
One of those is former Ajax and Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui, who instantly became one of United’s most important players last season.
The Morocco international showed his versatility by playing in multiple roles – from right-back to centre-back to the No.10 role in midfield.
Amorim now considers Mazraoui as a leader in the United dressing room.
Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on August 30, 2025
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui loves working with Ruben Amorim
Mazraoui was one of the few silver linings from a turbulent 2025/26 campaign.
The 27-year-old settled quickly at United and was arguably the club’s best signing last summer.
More United News
Football fans would be hard-pressed to find a full-back who is as gifted technically. Another strong point of the Moroccan is his versatility.
Amorim missed Mazraoui at the start of the season due to injury, but he returned for United’s 3-2 win over Burnley.
In an interview with Andy Mitten for The National, Mazraoui explained what it is like to play under Amorim.
“A great manager,” Mazraoui said. “I really love to work with him. I like him a lot. His way of thinking, his way of managing, his way of talking. He’s like a manager with a lot of values, which I have the same.
“So, yeah, that works great together.”
Elaborating on Amorim’s values as head coach, Mazraoui said: “Being always respectful, being always honest.
“Never lies, says how it is without any edge. Sometimes it can be harsh, but I’d rather have that it’s the truth and a little bit harsh than a lie. And that it’s, you know, it kind of sweetens things up.”
How Mazraoui felt after Erik ten Hag was sacked
United’s decision to sack Ten Hag wasn’t met with glee from all.
Some players, including Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, joined United to rekindle their relationship with Ten Hag.
Mazraoui admits he takes some responsibility for Ten Hag’s shortcomings at Old Trafford, despite only arriving a few months before he was dismissed.
When asked if it was difficult when Ten Hag left the club, he said: “Yeah, of course, because he was also a reason I came to the club. You come to a club because for the club itself, but also for the manager.
“I worked some good years with him at Ajax, so that’s also one of the reasons I came here. And then if he’s gone after two or three months, that’s never nice, because you feel also responsible for that. Because if the players perform, the manager stays, it’s that simple.”