Rabat – Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui says he feels physically ready for the start of Manchester United’s new season despite only recently returning from his summer break following the 2026 World Cup.
Mazraoui was among the United players given additional time off because they participated in the tournament in North America, where Morocco reached the quarter-finals before losing 2-0 to France.
The 28-year-old believes the amount of football he played with the Atlas Lions means the short break has not significantly affected his fitness.
“I don’t think you lose that much in three weeks,” Mazraoui told Manchester United’s official media. “I played a lot of games at the World Cup, so physically I’m not that far away from my best.”
“I feel fresh and I’m ready to begin the new season.”
Mazraoui made his first appearance of United’s preseason following the World Cup during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Gothenburg. Manchester United confirmed that the fixture marked his return to action after his international commitments.
He received further minutes against Leeds United at Croke Park on Wednesday before making a decisive contribution in the penalty shootout.
The match finished 1-1 after regulation time, with Joshua Zirkzee scoring for United and Brenden Aaronson equalizing for Leeds. United then won the shootout 5-4, with Mazraoui converting the decisive penalty after James Justin had struck the crossbar for Leeds.
Mazraoui welcomes United’s new arrivals
Mazraoui also spoke positively about the atmosphere within Michael Carrick’s squad and the integration of summer signings Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
“They’ve settled in really well,” he said. “We have a good group of guys, very easy going, and I think we have players who give this feeling to the new signings.”
United signed Brazilian midfielder Santos from Chelsea in July, while Belgium international Tielemans also joined the club during the same month after leaving Aston Villa.
Mazraoui’s return gives Carrick another experienced defensive option entering the final phase of preseason.
Manchester United’s final warm-up match will come against AC Milan in Poland on Saturday before attention turns to the Premier League.
United begin their league campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on August 22, with Mazraoui hoping his World Cup fitness and recent preseason minutes will leave him ready to compete from the opening weekend.
