Noussair Mazraoui excited for Champions League return with Manchester United

Old Trafford is about to hear that Champions League anthem again. Noussair Mazraoui is predicting a charged atmosphere when Manchester United step back into Europe’s premier club competition for the 2026-27 season, ending a two-year exile.

A long road back to Europe’s top table

Manchester United’s last Champions League campaign came during the 2023-24 season. The 2025-26 Premier League season finally delivered the result the club had been chasing. A string of pivotal victories, including a crucial win over Chelsea, secured United’s return ticket to the competition.

Mazraoui was part of that push, making 20 appearances across the league season. His contributions came despite dealing with injuries that interrupted his rhythm and international commitments with Morocco that pulled him away during key stretches.

Mazraoui’s journey to this moment

United paid Bayern Munich a reported fee of around €15 million for the defender, with performance-related clauses that could push the total to €20 million. He joined on August 13, 2024, on a four-year contract with the option for an additional year, and made his debut on August 16, 2024, featuring in a 1-0 victory over Fulham. He has operated at both full-back and centre-back during his time at the club, giving managers tactical flexibility.

Mazraoui spent part of his summer representing Morocco at the World Cup, where the Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals. By mid-to-late August 2026, the 28-year-old was back in training under manager Michael Carrick, converting the decisive penalty in a pre-season shootout victory against Leeds United.

What this means for United’s season

For Mazraoui specifically, the return represents a chance to showcase himself on the biggest stage in club football while wearing United’s shirt. He knows what these nights feel like from his time at Ajax, where he was part of the side that made a memorable run to the 2019 semi-finals, and at Bayern Munich, where Champions League football was simply expected every season.

Mazraoui’s ability to cover multiple defensive positions becomes particularly valuable in navigating a Champions League campaign alongside domestic fixtures, giving Carrick options for rotation without sacrificing quality.