"When he is 100% fitness, he can do much more" - Erik ten Hag heaps praise on Manchester United defender after Fulham win
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Noussair Mazraoui following the full-back's performance against Fulham. The Morocco international caught the eye as the Red Devils kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over the Cottagers on Friday, August 16.
Mazraoui, who was signed from Bayern Munich this summer, made his Manchester United debut against Fulham. He played at right-back, with Diogo Dalot featuring on the other flank.
After the game, Erik ten Hag lavished praise on the full-back he formerly managed at Ajax. The Dutchman hailed Mazraoui's composure and insisted the defender could offer more. Ten Hag was quoted as saying by Centredevils on X:
"I know him like this... he's a great defender but also very composed on the ball. When he is 100% fitness, he can do much more."
Mazraoui previously played under Erik ten Hag at Ajax. He managed 137 appearances across competitions under the Dutchman at the Johan Cruyff Arena, registering 10 goals and nine assists.
Mazraoui joined Bayern Munich from Ajax in 2022 and featured 55 times for the Bavarian giants, scoring once and producing eight assists.
Liverpool great lauds Manchester United midfielder
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has lauded Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo. The England international helped the Red Devils to a winning start in the Premier League 2024-25 season as they beat Fulham 1-0 at Old Trafford 1-0.
Mainoo caught the eye as he started in the middle of the park alongside Casemiro before being replaced in the 81st minute. He registered a passing accuracy of 90 percent (37/41) and won all three attempted tackles. Carragher praised the youngster after the game and told Sky Sports:
"I think he has been an absolute revelation. I love watching him play and what he did in the summer. He came through last season, we were asking questions about United’s midfield. It was Casemiro needs a partner, now it’s Mainoo needs a partner. I think he is going to be a superstar."
Mainoo enjoyed his breakthrough season last time out and has established himself as a key player for club and country. He has so far registered five goals and an assist in 37 senior appearances for Manchester United.
Capped nine times for England, he also featured in six European Championship 2024 games for the Three Lions.