Noussair Mazraoui of Manchester United looks (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Man Utd insiders identify Ten Hag pupil as Red Devils’ ‘best signing in years’

Originally posted on Stretty News | By Michel Sakr | Last updated May 21, 2025 12:04 PM ET

Several Manchester United insiders have reportedly identified one Erik ten Hag signing as the best buy the club has made in recent memory.

During his ill-fated two-plus years at Carrington, several players arrived at the club based on the 55-year-old’s request.

Many of them were his Dutch compatriots, like Wout Weghorst, Joshua Zirkzee and Tyrell Malacia, while others were players he previously coached at Ajax, like Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony, or even both (mainly Matthijs de Ligt).

But while several of the previously mentioned players have either flopped or fallen short of expectations, The National journalist Andy Mitten reveals that ‘multiple’ Man United insiders have informed him that Noussair Mazraoui is considered the club’s best signing in years.

Noussair Mazraoui hailed as best Man Utd signing in recent years

The 27-year-old is a versatile full-back who was part of the incredible Morocco squad that reached the semi-final of the 2022 World Cup.

He rose to prominence under the guidance of Ten Hag at Ajax, but the two men split ways in the summer of 2022, with the manager signing for Man Utd, and the player joining Bayern Munich.

After two underwhelming years in Bavaria, Mazraoui was reunited with the Dutch tactician at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils on a bargain deal worth £13 million.

Why Mazraoui is vital for Amorim’s system

Even though the reunion proved short-lived, with Ten Hag sacked in October, Mazraoui hardly struggled in the transition from the 4-2-3-1 formation to Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1.

In fact, the Moroccan became even more important thanks to his versatility which allows him to play either as a defender or wingback on either flank in the Portuguese’s system.

The source also notes how the player’s deft technique allows him to comfortably hold the ball and help build up from the back, which is a crucial element in today’s game.

Moreover, considering he made 55 appearances for United in all competitions, Mazraoui’s mistakes have been rare, thus making him an absolutely crucial player for Amorim.

Hence, it remains to be seen if the former Ajax star can earn his first piece of silverware with the Red Devils later on Wednesday when he and his teammates lock horns with Spurs in the Europa League final in Bilbao.

This article first appeared on Stretty News and was syndicated with permission.

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