Manchester United right-back Noussair Mazraoui has delivered a brutally honest verdict on the club’s dismal Premier League season, branding it as “shitty” while stressing that only Europa League victory can restore pride to the Old Trafford faithful.
Speaking candidly at the club’s official media day ahead of their Europa League final showdown against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao next week, the Moroccan international didn’t mince words when asked to evaluate the Red Devils’ campaign.
“The Europa League season will be a big success, but the Premier League season will be shitty,” Mazraoui said. “That’s just the reality. Of course, in the end, you might have a trophy, but the Premier League is the main competition — it’s every week, week in, week out, and that’s what people judge you on.”
The 26-year-old, who joined United last summer following spells at Ajax and Bayern Munich, spoke openly about the emotional toll the season has taken. For a player accustomed to winning, the club’s poor domestic performance has been a bitter pill to swallow.
“I come from clubs where I’m not used to losing. I will never get used to losing, wherever I am,” he continued. “So yeah, it’s painful. Life is sometimes painful, and you just have to go through it.”
A Season to Forget at Old Trafford
Manchester United’s domestic form in the 2024/25 campaign has left fans disillusioned and pundits scathing. The Red Devils have suffered 17 defeats in the Premier League, with their latest 2-0 home loss to West Ham United plunging them to a shocking 16th place in the league table.
Their manager, Ruben Amorim, didn’t shy away from criticism either. Speaking after the West Ham defeat, the Portuguese tactician described the team’s performance as unacceptable.
“This has been an embarrassing season, maybe the worst in Manchester United history,” Amorim admitted. “We’ve failed to meet expectations, and everyone — myself included — must take responsibility.”
Amorim, who was appointed amid high hopes last summer, now faces mounting scrutiny over his future. Fans and former players alike have questioned his tactical decisions, squad management, and inability to instill consistency in the team.
A Glimmer of Hope in Europe
Despite the doom and gloom in the league, Manchester United’s Europa League campaign has offered a ray of hope. The Red Devils dispatched Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma en route to the final, demonstrating moments of resilience and attacking flair that have been largely absent in domestic competitions.
For Mazraoui and his teammates, the Europa League represents not only a chance to end the season with silverware but also a crucial lifeline to Champions League qualification — a goal that would otherwise be unattainable via their league standing.
“It’s not my first high-pressure game. I’ve played in a World Cup semi-final,” Mazraoui said, referring to Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run. “This is similar in a way. I love the pressure.”
The Moroccan defender played a vital role in his national team’s journey to the semi-finals in Qatar, earning global recognition for his composure and versatility. He now hopes to channel that experience into helping United triumph in Bilbao.
Fans and Pundits React to Mazraoui’s Comments
Mazraoui’s unfiltered remarks have sparked varied reactions across the football community. While some fans applauded his honesty and passion, others viewed the statement as an unnecessary public airing of internal frustrations.
Sky Sports pundit and former United midfielder Paul Scholes weighed in on the situation:
“You have to appreciate Mazraoui’s honesty. He’s hurting, like every United fan. But this is Manchester United — standards are high, and words need to be backed with action.”
On social media, United supporters expressed both empathy and concern. One fan tweeted: “At least someone at the club is speaking the truth. We’ve been awful this season. Let’s hope they fight for the badge in the final.”
Redemption or Ruin in Bilbao
The Europa League final now carries enormous stakes for Manchester United. Victory would offer a much-needed morale boost and a spot in next season’s Champions League — a vital objective both financially and competitively.
Failure, however, could plunge the club further into crisis. Questions will certainly intensify around Amorim’s leadership, the future of underperforming stars, and the club’s recruitment policies. With ownership uncertainties still unresolved and fan dissatisfaction growing, the pressure to deliver is immense.
Mazraoui, who has featured in over 30 matches this season, is expected to start in Bilbao, forming part of a backline that will be tasked with containing Tottenham’s formidable attack, led by captain Harry Kane.
The final, scheduled for May 22 at the San Mamés Stadium, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two giants of English football vying for European redemption.
Conclusion: A Crucial Turning Point
As Manchester United prepare for their biggest game of the season, the mood around Old Trafford is one of cautious optimism mixed with frustration. For players like Noussair Mazraoui, the Europa League final is not just another match — it’s a statement of defiance against a season filled with setbacks.
“We owe it to ourselves, to the fans, and to the badge to win this final,” Mazraoui emphasized. “This club deserves better.”
Whether United can turn their European run into a triumph that sparks a wider revival remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the final in Bilbao could define not just the season, but the futures of many within the club.
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