Noussair Mazraoui will return to Manchester United after narrowly missing out on winning AFCON with Morocco.
This week, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo returned from AFCON and immediately made a positive impact as Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-0.
Both Amad and Mbeumo suffered defeat in the quarter-finals of AFCON, meaning they made an early return.
What do you think Sir Jim Ratcliffe is thinking about Man Utd’s manager change right now?!
Even Sir Jim was off his seat!
Ratciffe
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
However, Noussair Mazraoui went all the way to the final with host nation Morocco. Mazraoui was hoping to become the third United player to win AFCON, but they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal.
The final minutes of the match erupted into chaos when Senegal left the pitch after Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. But the spot-kick was saved and Papa Gueye went on to score the only goal in extra time.
FBL-AFR-2025-MATCH 52-SEN-MAR
Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images
Noussair Mazraoui impressed despite losing AFCON final
Mazraoui has been in great form at AFCON and has started every single game for Morocco, often playing as a left-back.
Once again, the United defender started on the left of Morocco’s defence, and he put in a strong display for his nation on the big stage.
More United News
As per SofaScore, Mazraoui earned a 7.6 rating – only goalkeeper Bono got a higher rating for Morocco.
Noussair Mazraoui AFCON final Match stats
Minutes played 98
Touches 66
Passes completed 86% (37/43)
Key passes 1
Duels won 9
Defensive contributions 12
Possessions lost 7
Mazraoui played for 98 minutes before being replaced. He will return to United with a week to rest before the match against Arsenal in the Premier League.
Noussair Mazraoui returns to a very different Man United
When Mazraoui left for AFCON, United were coached by Ruben Amorim and had just comfortably beaten Wolves.
Michael Carrick is off to the PERFECT START at Man Utd, and he wants more!
Why do you think it went SO RIGHT for Carrick against City?
Carrick graphic
Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
On his return, he will be greeted by interim head coach Michael Carrick, who recorded an emphatic victory over Manchester City in his first match in charge.
United are up to fifth in the Premier League table in their pursuit of Champions League football, and Mazraoui will have to adapt to a whole new system.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano shares what he’s been told about Noussair Mazraoui potentially leaving Man Utd for Juventus
Carrick played a 4-4-2 shape against City, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw playing as full-backs in the derby.
Mazraoui’s run at left-back for Morocco could make him a strong option to start on either flank if Carrick wants to throw the 28-year-old directly into the mix against Arsenal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox