Manchester United and Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat have reportedly agreed on personal terms for a potential move to England. The Red Devils are, however, yet to agree on a fee with the Italian club to complete the transfer. The 26-year-old midfielder played a huge role in the fairytale run of Morocco in the World Cup 2022. His World Cup performance caught the eyes of many big pundits and major clubs.
Sofyan Amrabat is a defensive midfielder who can cover for Casemiro. The Brazilian missed several matches last season because of suspensions. Amrabat will help United to control the game with his calmness on the ball and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. The Moroccan made 49 appearances for Fiorentina in all competitions last season (stats via Transfermarkt), highlighting how important he is for the club.
According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are keeping an eye on Sofyan Amrabat for a potential move. The Red Devils are yet to negotiate a fee for the player. Moreover, the Chief Executive of Fiorentina, Giuseppe Barone had this to add about the potential transfer,
‘We have not received any bid or proposal for him at all. He’s a Fiorentina player now. If an offer comes, we will consider it.’
Manchester United were suffering in the middle of the park before the arrival of manager Erik ten Hag. However, ever since the Dutchman took charge, he has brought in players who are capable of controlling the game. It has only been just one season, but there is a clear vision of how Ten Hag wants his team to play. The United board will need to complete the needful signings and let the surplus players leave for the project to succeed.
Why does Manchester United need to sign Sofyan Amrabat?
✅ Controlling the tempo
✅ Press resistant
✅ Defensive contributions
✅ Long ball passes with high accuracy %
✅ Rotate with Casemiro
✅ Prime age (26)
✅ Worked with Erik Ten Hag before
✅ Affordable price (€30M) pic.twitter.com/AMePBHupGJ— Total Ten Hag 🇳🇱 (@total10hag) July 3, 2023
United have Fred and Scott McTominay on the bench as options but none of those fit the criterion required to play under Ten Hag. The club is exploring options for both players, with Fred being the likelier of the two to leave the club this window. However, McTominay is not very comfortable playing the number 6 role. So, Ten Hag and Casemiro could use the help of Amrabat in that role.
Why Signing Sofyan Amrabat Makes Perfect Sense for Manchester United?
Manchester United recently completed the signing of Mason Mount. Many suggest that he is likely to play the number 8 role in the midfield. His backup option will be Christian Eriksen who has had a successful first season at Old Trafford. Moreover, Mount can also cover for Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role which gives Ten Hag more options.
However, the club does not have a pure defensive midfielder like Casemiro. The Brazilian transformed Manchester United upon his arrival. His presence gave United control and stability in the middle of the park. He is mostly known for breaking down opposition plays but his distribution has been key for Manchester United last season.
However, he missed some key matches due to suspension after getting sent-off following a few reckless challenges and behaviour. United will need a cover for the temperamental midfielder. Also, to avoid fatigue, Erik ten Hag could look at Sofyan Amrabat without any hesitation.
The 26-year-old Moroccan is press resistant which could help United to build from the back, just like the former Ajax manager likes it. Amrabat can also dictate the tempo of the game, a department where Casemiro isn’t the best. Amrabat is also not afraid to go into challenges in dangerous areas to keep his team out of danger.
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Additionally, if in case Eriksen or Mount gets injured, Amrabat is also very comfortable playing as an orchestrator. The Moroccan could be the perfect replacement for Marcel Sabitzer who left the club after his loan period ended. Some reports suggest that Amrabat could be available for €30 million. If that is true, Manchester United could have a bargain in their hands.
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