Fenerbahce midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has shed light on why his highly anticipated permanent transfer to Manchester United failed to materialize following his loan spell in the 2023/24 season.
The Moroccan international had joined United on loan from Fiorentina and made a significant impact during his time at Old Trafford, particularly during the latter part of the campaign.
Amrabat played a key role in United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City, which bolstered his hopes of securing a long-term deal with the Premier League giants.
However, despite his ambitions, the move did not come to fruition.
In an interview, Amrabat explained that while United manager Erik ten Hag was keen to retain him, the club’s Technical Director, Jason Wilcox, had other plans.
I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht,” Amrabat told The Mail, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
He wanted to keep me this summer, so I wish him the best, but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”
Amrabat’s remarks highlight his longstanding connection with Ten Hag, under whom he played at Utrecht, where his career first began to flourish.
Despite the Dutch manager’s willingness to bring him on board permanently, it was ultimately a decision made higher up at the club that prevented the deal from happening.
“The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr. Wilcox,” Amrabat added, implying that the decision lay with the technical director rather than the manager.
The 28-year-old midfielder had been hopeful that his performances during his loan spell, which included solid displays in both domestic and European competitions, would earn him a permanent place in United’s squad.
Despite his personal disappointment, Amrabat has since found a new home at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, where he continues to perform at a high level.
However, his comments suggest that the missed opportunity to remain at Manchester United still lingers.
The midfielder’s future may have shifted to Turkey, but his time at Old Trafford, especially the FA Cup success, left a lasting impression.
Fans and pundits alike had praised Amrabat for his energy and versatility, which were key assets during his spell in the Premier League.
Amrabat’s focus is now firmly on his new club, but his parting words about Manchester United leave little doubt about his feelings regarding how the transfer saga unfolded.
As he settles into life at Fenerbahce, the Moroccan midfielder may still be keeping an eye on United’s fortunes from afar, especially with the unresolved question of what might have been had the move gone ahead.
For now, both Amrabat and United will continue their separate paths, but his connection with Erik ten Hag could make a future reunion in European football a possibility.
