Noussair Mazraoui: Heartbreak for Man United defender

In partnership with

The Peoples Person

·19 January 2026

Noussair Mazraoui: Heartbreak for Man United defender

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.

OneFootball Videos

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.