Ten Hag hails Mazraoui’s ‘golden’ conversion to right‑back

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag praised the evolution of Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui, noting that the former Ajax right‑back’s transformation from attacking midfielder to defender has paid off and that he is making a strong impression at the World Cup. He added that Mazraoui’s progress reflects the club’s development work and his own coaching influence.

Under Ten Hag, Mazraoui made his senior debut for Ajax, and the two are now reunited at Manchester United, where they work together again.

In Ajax’s youth system the Moroccan international played as an attacking midfielder before Ten Hag “daaraan zagen Marc en ik zijn spelintelligentie”. He described Mazraoui as “athletisch, supertechnisch en altijd offensief georiënteerd” and said the decision to try him at right‑back “bleek wel een gouden greep”.

The 28‑year‑old defender often struggled with recurring pains at Ajax, prompting dietitians and strength coaches to devise a tailored plan. Ten Hag explained, “Ook omdat Nous een jongen is die weet wat hij wil… Kom niet met onzin. Daar prikt hij zo doorheen. Maar als die vertrouwensband er eenmaal is, gaat hij voor je door het vuur.”

In the World Cup round of 16, Mazraoui started for Morocco against the Netherlands on the left‑back, and Ten Hag remarked, “Hij was, helaas voor ons, geweldig.”

Ten Hag also hinted that he sees Mazraoui playing centrally in defence in the future, recalling that he once “neergezet” him at Ajax and later “speelde ik met Nous op 10 tegen Fenerbahçe”, adding that the performance was “best aardig”.

Looking ahead, Ten Hag believes Mazraoui’s versatility and work ethic will continue to benefit both his club and the Moroccan national team, suggesting a key role in upcoming campaigns.