Video: 9 duels won, 100% crosses: United star shone bright despite final heartbreak amid scarcely believable scenes

Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui was involved in one of the most bizarre endings to a tournament in history. AFCON Mazraoui had an impressive Africa Cup of Nations tournament for Morocco as the hosts reached the final. He was consistent throughout both in defence and attack, providing an assist on matchday one. Unfortunately for him, Morocco lost the final to Senegal 0-1 in extraordinary circumstances. Morocco were awarded a penalty in the last seconds of extra time, only for the Senegalese players to leave the pitch in protest. When they finally returned, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty with a panenka and Senegal went on to score the winner in extra time. His own performance Mazraoui played into the eighth minute of extra time but was substituted after a long tournament. The right back won three of his five tackles in the match. He also made two interceptions and three clearances as he helped protect his goal. Mazraoui was also outstanding playing at left back, winning eight ground duels and one aerial contest. The United man also put in a strong performance in attack, completing one key pass and 84% of his passing attempts. He also completed his only cross attempt but did not attempt any dribbles to test the Senegalese defence. History Mazraoui became the first United player ever to make the final of the AFCON but unfortunately fell at the final hurdle and missed the chance to become the only Manchester United player to win the competition. The defender will now return to Old Trafford and should be in the squad to face Arsenal next Sunday. With a return to a four-at-the-back system under Michael Carrick, Mazraoui is likely to find more opportunities in his natural position at full back than he found under Ruben Amorim. Noussair Mazraoui stats vs Senegal StatValue Goals0 Assists0 Defensive contributions12 Tackles (won)5 (3) Interceptions2 Clearances3 Blocked shots2 Recoveries3 Ground duels (won)10 (8) Aerial duels (won)4 (1) Dribbled past2 Key passes1 Crosses (accurate)1 (1) Accurate passes36/43 (84%) Passes in opposition half (accurate)16/21 (76%) Passes in own half (accurate)20/22 (91%) Long balls (accurate)4/6 (67%) Touches66 Dribbles (successful)0 (0) Was fouled3 Possession lost8 Total shots0 Shots on target0 Shots blocked0 Featured image Carl Recine 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 Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.