‘Tremendous’: Erik ten Hag blown away by Man Utd star who has ‘improved a lot’

Manchester United welcome FC Twente in their first league game of the Europa League tonight.

The Red Devils have had a mixed start to the season and they have registered only seven points from their opening five Premier League games.

Manager Erik ten Hag will want a better start to the Europa League campaign and ahead of the game, the Dutchman has praised Noussair Mazraoui.

The Morocco international previously played under Ten Hag for four years at Ajax and the duo were reunited after his move from Bayern this summer.

The 26-year-old has adapted to the league’s intensity in no time and he is currently one of the undisputed starters in the club’s defence.

Ten Hag said in a Q&A session on Manutd.com: “I know, let’s say I knew, how good a player he is, and I think he improved even a lot from his period in Germany.

“And he’s even a better player than I had in Ajax. His development as a player and as a person is tremendous and impressive. So I hope that he keeps this process going.”

Mazraoui has been a regular starter from the right-back role. He has caught the eye with his inverted runs and ability to create chances with his quality distribution.

He has already become a favourite among the fans and will be hoping to continue the good run of form to keep his place ahead of Diogo Dalot in the long term.

Dalot has been playing at left-back this season with Luke Shaw’s injury. He could be displaced from the starting XI instead of Mazraoui when Shaw makes his return.