“I love to be aggressive”: United warrior signed by ETH reveals secret to combative nature

Manchester United signed Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2024, when former manager Erik ten Hag was in charge. The Moroccan defender was previously a key figure under the Dutch manager at Ajax, but their partnership was short-lived at the Theatre of Dreams. The arrival of Ruben Amorim did not have a major impact on Mazraoui, who adapted well to the rigours of the 3-4-3 system. The Moroccan ended last season with 57 appearances across competitions for the Premier League giants, 52 of which were starts. A key part of Amorim’s plans Mazraoui featured 40 times under Amorim last season, but missed the start of this season through injury. He has registered five appearances in the Premier League this campaign, three of which were starts. Noussair Mazraoui Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League5––1–203′ Total:5––1–203′ Source: Transfermarkt The 28 year old has operated in the right wing-back position this season, but is also capable of covering in the back three. He was particularly impressive in the 2-1 win over Chelsea in September. Mazraoui has embraced the intensity and the physicality of the Premier League, and is often seen standing up for his teammates. His tenacity has already endeared him to United fans. The Moroccan turned 28 earlier this week and has now shed light on the source of his combative nature. Loves to be aggressive Speaking to the club’s website, Mazraoui said: “I was, kind of, always the smallest. I was more technical, like also, defending wise, I couldn’t be too aggressive because, with just one push, then they would beat me.” “So, I think that, through time, it’s being stronger. I think that came more and more into my style of play and I just love to win duels because I know that’s maybe not the most fancy part, or the most fancy job in football, or the most appreciated job in football, but, for the team, that makes a huge difference. “If you win a duel, [it’s] instead of running back with a 30-metre sprint, if I lose my duel. Instead of that, the other one can save his energy and use this 30-metre sprint to go on the attack. And that is why I love to be aggressive in the matches.” Mazraoui set up Azzedine Ounahi to score the only goal in Morocco’s 1-0 win over Mozambique in an international friendly on Friday. United fans will be delighted to have their warrior back to full fitness as they enter a crucial few weeks of football. Noussair Mazraoui, #MUFC vs Chelsea: 🔋 64 mins played🔴 60 touches✅ 100% duels won (9/9)✅ 100% dribbles completed (2/2)🏹 2/3 crosses completed🔐 1 key pass🧱 5 defensive actions What a player 😮‍💨🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/Yz3PfTutpC — Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) September 21, 2025 Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.