NOUSSAIR MAZROUAI has revealed he is now a “retired fisherman” after a disappointing few days at sea over the summer.
But that will not stop the United favourite from looking to reel in one of the Prem’s big fish in Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Manchester United ace Noussair Mazraoui found a new hobby during the summerMatt McNulty/Getty Images
The Morocco international is ready to face Manchester City at the Etihad after returning from injury just before the international break.
And off the pitch 27-year-old defender says he is on the lookout for a new hobby after failing to net more than a tiddler during his fishing expedition.
The United ace told The National: “Away from football I like being with my family and have a few hobbies.
“This summer I went sea fishing, but didn’t catch anything, so now I’m looking for something else.
“I caught one but it was small – so that’s not what I was looking for.
“I fished for quite a long time. I went three days straight from five in the morning till one o ‘clock, two o ‘clock and yeah, just a small fish. So now I’m a retired fisherman.”
Mazrouai was one of the few players brought in by ex-boss Erik ten Hag who has proved to be a success at Old Trafford.
He admits the departure of his former Ajax mentor came as a blow just a few months after they had been reunited.
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The former Bayern Munich defender said: “He was also a reason I came to the club. You come to a club because for the club itself, but also for the manager.
“I worked some good years with him at Ajax, so that’s also one of the reasons I came here. And then if he’s gone after two or three months.
“That’s never nice, because you feel also responsible for that. Because if the players perform, the manager stays, it’s that simple.”
At one point it looked like Ruben Amorim could be facing the same fate – but the win over Burnley last month has at least given him some breathing space.
And Mazrouai says the former Sporting Lisbon coach has all the qualities he likes from a boss.
He added: “A great manager, a great person. I really love to work with him. I like him a lot – his way of thinking, his way of managing, his way of talking.
“He’s like a manager with a lot of values, which I have the same. So, yeah, that works great together.
“He is always respectful, being always honest. He never lies, says how it is without any edge.
“Sometimes it can be harsh, but I’d rather have that it’s the truth and a little bit harsh than a lie. And that it’s, you know, it kind of sweetens things up.”
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