Rio Ferdinand backs Morocco star Noussair Mazraoui for Manchester United starting role next season

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui to begin the new Premier League campaign as the club’s first-choice right-back ahead of Diogo Dalot.

According to Ferdinand, he will not hesitate in selecting the Moroccan defender over the Portuguese international in the starting lineup next season if he were to be in coach Michael Carrick’s position.

According to the former England international, Mazraoui returned from the World Cup with renewed confidence and outstanding form, showing the kind of energy and belief that top-level tournaments often bring out in players.

Ferdinand explained that major competitions can provide footballers with a significant psychological and technical boost, and he believes intelligent coaches must take advantage of that momentum when making selection decisions.

“What I admire most about Mazraoui is his calmness under pressure,” Ferdinand noted, highlighting the defender’s ability to operate effectively in difficult situations. He praised the Moroccan’s confidence in possession, his ability to perform in tight spaces, and his understanding of when to move inside or remain wide to create balance for the team.

The former United star believes those qualities will be vital if Carrick wants Manchester United to dominate possession and gain greater control over matches.

While praising Dalot as a quality player and an important member of the squad, Ferdinand stressed that competition for places is a fundamental part of football and no player should be guaranteed a starting role.

He added that Mazraoui’s performances at the World Cup showed he has the quality and mentality required at the highest level, and if he can reproduce that form in the Premier League, he could become one of Manchester United’s most influential players.

Ferdinand concluded that Mazraoui deserves the opportunity to start the season in the first team, with his consistency and performances likely to determine whether he can establish himself as a key figure at Old Trafford.