Will Manchester United's defensive wall consider retirement after the World Cup? The truth revealed! Carrick is thinking of using him more at left-back

Over the weekend, a statement allegedly from Manchester United full-back Mazraoui circulated on social media, claiming: "I might decide to retire after the World Cup. Life is too short. I want to memorize the Quran and one day become an imam in a mosque."

An imam is a prayer leader in Islam. That is indeed one of Mazraoui's life goals, but he did not say he would retire after this World Cup. The quoted remarks were actually taken from an interview after the previous World Cup.

At that time, the Moroccan defender said: "During Ramadan I read the Quran, but after Ramadan I didn't read much. My journey of learning started after the World Cup. At that point, I decided to memorize the Quran. When I prayed before, I would only recite some chapters. I felt somewhat ashamed because I knew I could only recite a few passages."

The reality is that Mazraoui talked about memorizing the Quran, understanding its meaning, and becoming an imam in the future, but never mentioned retirement. The 28-year-old Moroccan international is currently at the peak of his career and still has many years ahead before leaving football; he will continue to play for Manchester United next season.

When representing Morocco in the World Cup, Mazraoui naturally played as a left-back, because the team has Achraf Hakimi, arguably the world's best right-back currently. However, Mazraoui also performed excellently on the left flank, just as he did at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, where he was named in the tournament's best XI as a left-back.

Manchester United may sign a new left-back in the summer window, but Mazraoui's performances have cast doubt on that plan, leading many to believe that Carrick should let Mazraoui play more at left-back and compete with English left-back Luke Shaw. Carrick is considering this, depending on whether the club can bring in the right new signing.

Manchester United legend Patrice Evra said: "The one thing I would most like to ask Carrick next season is to give Mazraoui a chance. This guy is a beast, a Moroccan beast. Ever since he shaved his head, it's like he unlocked hidden potential. I strongly believe he deserves more opportunities at Manchester United next season."

Evra commented: "What makes him special is that he can play multiple positions, but I genuinely think he is better as a left-back than as a right-back. If he can keep up this form, Carrick will have no choice but to trust him more next season."

Within the Manchester United squad, Mazraoui is a highly regarded player, even though he is quite low-key. Early last season, the British media revealed that the Red Devils' dressing room had six leaders, including Mazraoui. Club correspondent Andy Mitten explained: "When Manchester United signed Mazraoui, they knew they were getting a good player. But his agility, aggression, and strength still surprised them. He is humble and polite, and very popular among his teammates."

Another club correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, said: "Manchester United actually aren't short of left-backs; they have Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass, and Diego León. Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can also play there. So suddenly, Carrick might be more in need of a left winger. United will sooner or later have to buy a specialist for the left flank, either this summer or next. They have successively sent off Sancho, Garnacho, and Elanga, and Rashford might be next this summer."