Assessing Noussair Mazraoui's Impact at Manchester United

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United during the Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026. (Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images) | CameraSport via Getty Images

A year ago, optimism was scarce for Manchester United, who had just finished 15th in the Premier League and suffered a disappointing loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. As the season wrapped up, however, fans found a glimmer of hope in the performance of Noussair Mazraoui. In an article for The National, journalist Andy Mitten noted that “multiple insiders on the football side at United say Mazraoui is the best signing United have made for years,” a sentiment echoed by many supporters on social media.

Mazraoui’s acclaim stemmed from two key factors: his affordable transfer fee of £12.8 million and his impressive availability, having made 52 starts across all competitions in various positions. While he may not have excelled in any single role, he was often referred to as a “steady eddy,” which underscores the low bar set by recent signings at the club.

Despite his nickname, 52 starts in a season is a commendable achievement, indicating his reliability and fitness. He outperformed many teammates and was even a runner-up for the Matt Busby Player of the Season award, voted by his peers. However, the club’s overall performance, finishing 15th, suggests that even the second-best player in the squad—Mazraoui—wasn't enough to elevate the team.

Signed primarily as a right back, Mazraoui has played 28 Premier League matches in that role, with a record of 9 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses, equating to a win percentage of just over 32%. His time in a wide center-back position under manager Ruben Amorim did not yield better results either, with a record of 4 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses. Comparatively, United’s performance improved significantly when he was absent from the starting lineup.

While Mazraoui faced challenges under Amorim's tactics, which often placed him in less suited positions, it’s crucial to note that he was initially recruited by Erik Ten Hag to fill a fullback role critical to the attack. Ten Hag’s strategy involved fullbacks pushing forward, creating opportunities, and Mazraoui was seen as a key component in this plan. However, the effectiveness of his contribution remained questionable, casting doubt on his long-term value to the team.