---
title: "Michael Carrick handed pre-season lift as Noussair Mazraoui’s World Cup run ends"
canonical: "https://readmanutd.com/2026/07/10/michael-carrick-handed-pre-season-lift-as-noussair-mazraouis-world-cup-run-ends/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "2026 World Cup"
published: "2026-07-10T08:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-07-10T08:00:00Z"
---

# Michael Carrick handed pre-season lift as Noussair Mazraoui’s World Cup run ends

**Noussair Mazraoui’s World Cup campaign is over after Morocco lost 2-0 to France in the quarter-finals.**

The Manchester United defender played his part in a strong Morocco run, but France ended their tournament through second-half goals from Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.

[The Guardian’s live report](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/09/france-v-morocco-world-cup-2026-quarter-final-live) confirmed France’s win and Morocco’s exit at the last-eight stage.

United marked Mazraoui’s tournament on social media, writing: “A tournament run to be proud of. Nous and Morocco exit the FIFA World Cup despite a valiant effort in the quarter-finals.”

Mazraoui can now turn his focus back to United. ReadManUtd recently covered how [his Morocco World Cup run delayed his return to Carrington](https://readmanutd.com/2026/07/05/mazraoui-morocco-quarter-final-manchester-united-load-test/), with Michael Carrick managing a staggered first pre-season as full time manager.

> A tournament run to be proud of.\
> \
> Nous and Morocco exit the [#FIFAWorldCup](https://x.com/hashtag/FIFAWorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) despite a valiant effort in the quarter-finals 🇲🇦 [pic.twitter.com/R9fD5mx8YE](https://t.co/R9fD5mx8YE)
>
> — Manchester United (@ManUtd) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/ManUtd/status/2075344435504718316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Mazraoui Return Gives Carrick Pre-Season Lift

Mazraoui should return to United soon, although the club will still need to manage his workload after a long summer.

That should help Carrick as he builds his defensive plans for the new campaign. Mazraoui offers experience, tactical intelligence and flexibility across the back line.

His Morocco run also came at a useful time. Tournament football gives players rhythm, pressure and sharpness before the club season returns.

United still need to judge how quickly he can return to full training. A short break looks likely after Morocco’s run to the last eight.

Even so, his return now helps Carrick more than a semi-final run would have done. United need senior defenders available as quickly as possible.

Mazraoui should have a big part to play once he returns to Carrington.