He is ‘reaching his Golden Boy form again’ – Noussair Mazraoui praises de Ligt’s revival at Man United

Manchester United fullback Noussair Mazraoui has praised teammate Matthijs de Ligt for his impressive form, describing the Dutch defender as aggressive, vocal, and back to his best.

The Moroccan international reunited with De Ligt after their successful spell together at Ajax.

Their partnership has since helped stabilise United’s defence under Ruben Amorim, another figure with deep Ajax roots and links at Beyern Munich.

Speaking to United Review, Mazraoui highlighted De Ligt’s leadership and technical qualities, crediting his consistent displays this season.

“As a defender, he’s really aggressive. He likes to be in the duels and win his duels,” Mazraoui said.

“On the ball, he’s also really, really good. You see the Ajax school, of course, in his style of play.”

He added that De Ligt’s communication and decision-making have been crucial for United’s defensive structure.

“He makes really good decisions, with the ball and also without the ball, and he’s really, really vocal, which is really important for his position,” he said.

“It’s always easier when you have somebody behind you, telling you a little bit left or right to block a certain passing line.”

Mazraoui also spoke warmly about their off-pitch relationship, describing the 26-year-old defender as “relaxed, open and really funny.”

De Ligt, who won the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2018 during his Ajax breakthrough, has shown renewed confidence and sharpness after overcoming injuries that hampered his early months at Old Trafford.

Mazraoui believes his teammate is now rediscovering the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising defenders.

“I’m really proud of the performances he is putting up now,” he said. “I think he should stay like this and even improve more because I know he can be even better than this. I said lately, for fun but also serious, that he is reaching his form of a Golden Boy again.”