Noussair Mazraoui has impressed Michael Carrick with his professional attitude after returning from Africa Cup of Nations duty, despite Morocco’s heartbreaking final defeat to Senegal in extra-time. According to Manutd.com.
Carrick lauds Mazraoui’s professionalism after Morocco’s AFCON final heartbreak
The 28-year-old defender endured devastation as Morocco lost their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 1976 in dramatic circumstances. Brahim Diaz missed a last-gasp penalty for the Atlas Lions before Pape Gueye scored a sensational winner for Senegal during extra-time in Rabat.
Mazraoui started all seven games for Morocco during the month-long tournament and was given extra recovery time following the crushing defeat. However, Carrick praised the defender’s immediate reintegration into the United squad, describing his attitude as “fantastic” around Carrington training ground.
“Yeah he’s come back well, Nous,” Carrick explained. “It was a difficult one, obviously, on the back of the final and how it panned out. [He had] a few days to digest that then back in and around it.” The head coach emphasised Mazraoui’s professionalism despite such a significant personal setback.
The Morocco international made his United return as a late substitute in Sunday’s victory at Arsenal, immediately contributing to the team’s performance. Carrick highlighted the importance of having experienced players like Mazraoui available to strengthen squad depth throughout the demanding season.
“So yeah, again [we want to] just keep thickening the squad, bolstering the squad and it’s great to have him back,” Carrick concluded. The defender’s swift return to form demonstrates his mental resilience following Morocco’s agonising final defeat.
