Manchester United will likely want to put this season behind them as soon as possible or remember it to strive for better in the future, but one player can emerge with some credit in the final.
The 1-0 loss to Spurs showcased the worst and most frustrating parts of Man Utd this season.
They dominated possession, territory, had more shots, and camped in the attacking area with barely any true goal threat.
As they played right into Spurs’ hands, one player was at the centre of everything despite not being expected to, as the likes of Bruno Fernandes faded into obscurity.
Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Photo by Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui impresses in unique role vs Spurs
It is perhaps a sign of where Man Utd should take their transfer policy that the most unassuming, low-budget signing last summer ends the season as the most successful one.
Noussair Mazraoui has earned the respect of every manager at Old Trafford this season, played almost every position on the pitch, and did so with utmost professionalism while setting high standards.
Therefore, it is really no surprise that even in United’s most brutal result of the season, he came out with his reputation intact, if not enhanced.
Again, he was given a unique role and again, he shone with his vast footballing intelligence and technical excellence.
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During his 85 minutes on the pitch, Mazraoui touched the ball 75 times as per stats from Sofascore, winning a remarkable 12 out of his 18 duels in a role that required him to play two different positions in two phases of play.
Noussair Mazraoui stats for Man Utd in Europa League final against Spurs on May 21, 2025
Noussair Mazraoui vs Spurs
When United were defending, Mazraoui was the wing-back who also covered the inside channel and helped his centre-back.
Then, when United went on the attack, he wasn’t a regular overlapping wing-back. Instead, he tucked in on the underlap and almost functioned as a No. 10 (Erik ten Hag lives on!).
He sought to increase passing options through the middle as Spurs camped near their box and funnelled United out wide, and Mazraoui’s proficiency in close spaces made him an invaluable part of the buildup.
Mazraoui is a building block for Ruben Amorim and Man Utd
If the whole season wasn’t enough of a sample size on its own, the final again showed how valuable Mazraoui is to a side sorely lacking technical players with footballing intelligence.
Amorim dubbed Mazraoui the ‘future’ of the club for a reason, and the Moroccan has been the ultimate professional on and off the pitch.
While there’s an ongoing worry that backing Amorim will lead to chaos if he’s sacked after buying specialist players, Mazraoui remains an exception.
His gifts allow him to be a chameleon on the pitch so, regardless of the manager or the system, he will always be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
More signings like Mazraoui are needed and less of the “bling-bling”.