SUMMARY
- Sofyan Amrabat's underwhelming performances lead to Erik ten Hag deciding against making his loan move to Manchester United permanent.
- With Amrabat's departure looming, Manchester United looks to internal options to strengthen the midfield.
After a long-lasting transfer saga that captivated Manchester United fans for months, Sofyan Amrabat, the Moroccan midfielder, stood firm on joining the Red Devils for the whole summer. But since his arrival, things haven’t been going the way expected.
Since his arrival, Amrabat hasn’t been able to lead the midfield from the defensive midfield position. After knowing his potential mainly through the World Cup, several Manchester United fans thought they were getting a gem of a player who can convert defensive positions into straight counter-attacks.
So far across his career at Manchester United, Amrabat has featured in 17 matches in all competitions wherein he has helped his team to win just 7 matches. With this lackluster display from him, Erik ten Hag has decided he no longer wants to sign Amrabat permanently.
🚨 Erik ten Hag no longer wants to sign Sofyan Amrabat on a permanent basis! 👋❌
Manchester United won’t trigger their option to buy in the summer.
(Source: @SkySports) pic.twitter.com/ynEldTIZck
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 29, 2023
When Amrabat joined Manchester United on a loan deal, he had a clause included across the contract that if the manager was satisfied with the Morrocan’s performances he could make this move permanent the next summer.
But Amrabat failed to showcase his skills across the Premier League. It is to be believed that Amrabat’s dream of signing with the Reds permanently will only remain a dream itself.
Replacement for Amrabat at Manchester United
With the news being orchestrated that Amrabat is to leave next summer, many are starting to think then who will fill the gaping hole set by the Moroccan midfielder. Well, the main part of the answer already lies within the team.
When the Moroccan was signing Manchester United had sadly been struck with an injury crisis. As the Moroccan signed several midfield partners suffered injuries as well. The likes of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount all went away on long-term injuries.
With the players recovering at a fast pace, Amrabat could be replaced this season itself. Kobbie Mainoo has been a recent inductee across the first team which most United fans already love watching. Mainoo got an introduction to the first team in the pre-season friendly tournament itself.
Having performed constantly well throughout the pre-season, Mainoo was believed to have been introduced to the first team before Amrabat’s arrival. But in a pre-season friendly game, when they faced Real Madrid, Mainoo faced a horrible injury in the 7th minute of the game.
Casemiro now at 20 G/A for Manchester United in 58 appearances pic.twitter.com/9NfBvCkHO4
— ☈ッ (@TheFergusonWay) September 26, 2023
With this injury, Mainoo’s debut for the first team was indirectly massively affected. Having suffered this injury Mainoo was left out injured up until November. Returning to the team, Mainoo has been an elegant player which fans aren’t stopping to admire.
Coinciding with Mainoo, Manchester United also holds the return of the Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro. Casemiro has been a terrific signing for the Red Devils, ever since his arrival, Casemiro has made some game-changing tackles, as well as some match-winning goals.
Replacing Amrabat is no easy feat, but the sheer number of exciting possibilities makes the future exciting for Manchester United fans. With injured players soon returning Manchester United might unleash their last season’s performances this season as well.