Sofyan Amrabat indicates that Manchester United’s chief executive prevented his transfer to Old Trafford during the summer.
Sofyan Amrabat has asserted that Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag wanted to retain him at Old Trafford during the summer. Amrabat played for the Red Devils on loan during the 2023-24 season, making 30 appearances across all competitions. The club had the option to sign him permanently from Fiorentina.
However, Manchester United ultimately opted not to secure a long-term deal for the Morocco international, instead strengthening their midfield by bringing in Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Currently, Amrabat is on loan at Fenerbahce and is set to face Manchester United in the Europa League on Thursday night. The 28-year-old claims that while Ten Hag was in favor of keeping him, new technical director Jason Wilcox may have played a role in ending his chances of a permanent move to the club.
Amrabat claims that Ten Hag wanted him to stay at Old Trafford, stating, “He (Ten Hag) wanted to keep me this summer, so I wish him the best. But not for Thursday—I hope they lose,” when speaking to the Daily Mail.
When asked why his long-term move to Manchester United didn’t materialize, the midfielder replied, “The only thing I want to say is that you have to ask Mr. Wilcox.”
During his time at United, Amrabat started the last three Premier League matches of the 2023-24 season and was also selected for the FA Cup final, where he helped the Red Devils secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
Ultimately, he moved to Fenerbahce near the end of the summer transfer window, where the Turkish club has an option to buy him at the conclusion of the season.
Sofyan Amrabat has made a solid start at Fenerbahce, featuring in six matches, including four in the league. He has played the full 90 minutes in his last two league games, indicating that he is earning the trust of head coach José Mourinho.
Additionally, Amrabat has completed the full match in both of Fenerbahce’s Europa League fixtures this season and is set to start against his former club on Thursday in Istanbul.
Manchester United traveled to Turkey with only three midfielders available: Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, and Manuel Ugarte, due to various injury and suspension issues within the squad. With both Eriksen and Casemiro being linked with potential exits from Old Trafford next summer, there are indications that Manchester United may undergo a midfield overhaul in 2025, as the club continues to face challenges in that area.
