Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui is in his second season at Old Trafford after arriving in the summer of 2024.Noussair Mazraoui discussed working under Ruben Amorim.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)

Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui appreciates Ruben Amorim’s “harsh” way of communicating.

Mazraoui came on from the bench against Burnley to make his first appearance of the season. He had been absent since suffering a small injury in the opening pre-season friendly against Leeds in Sweden.

The Morocco international is now in his second season at Old Trafford. Mazraoui was signed from Bayern Munich for €15million (£12.8m), with a possible €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons, in the summer of 2024 and he made an impressive 57 appearances in all competitions in his debut campaign.

Mazraoui was signed by Erik ten Hag, who he previously worked with at Ajax, but he continued to be an important member of the dressing room following Ruben Amorim’s appointment.

Speaking to The National, Mazraoui was asked about Amorim and said: “He is a great manager, a great person. 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.”

Explaining Amorim’s values, he added: “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.”

Mazraoui admitted it was difficult when Ten Hag was sacked. “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,” he said.

“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.”

Mazraoui went on to discuss the different positions he has played in at United. “I’ve been playing now a very long time as the right full-back. And lately also the right centre-back,” he said.

“Right full-back is my favourite position, my best position as well. That’s where everything goes automatic. When I get the ball, I know my options. I know what I can do, what I can’t do. I know how to defend. It’s less thinking, it’s more enjoying.”

The 27-year-old also revealed the toughest opponents he has faced in the Premier League.

“[Mohamed] Salah, [Kaoru] Mitoma, [Anthony] Elanga, so you just keep going,” Mazraoui said.

“It was [the toughest so far], I guess, Mitoma. In the second game [vs Brighton], so the first game, I think I really had him, I had him. The second game, he scored two goals, so I really blamed myself.”

Mazraoui was omitted from Morocco’s squad during the international break. Morocco head coach, Walid Regragui, explained: “Mazraoui’s absence? Perhaps it’s for the best.

“During the periods he was out due to injury, I had the opportunity to try other players. Now El Karouani will return after a strong start to the season. There will be a lot of competitiveness at full-back.”

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