Red Devils commit to Amrabat gamble despite bit-part role
Manchester United will persevere with their season-long loan of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat despite the Morocco international failing thus far to earn regular first team opportunities, reports TMW.
Amrabat arrived at Old Trafford in the summer boasting a glowing reputation after a star turn piloting Morocco to the World Cup semi-finals last December.
But opportunities have proven scarce under United manager Erik ten Hag.
With Amrabat soon departing in January to represent his nation in defence of their Africa Cup of Nations crown, questions have swirled over whether United may terminate his spell prematurely.
According to sources close to the club however, United remains committed to retaining the combative midfielder until the conclusion of his loan in June 2023.
Amrabat will depart to join the Atlas Lions for AFCON 2023 hosted by the Ivory Coast, where Morocco will kick off their campaign against Georgia on January 12th.
But upon Morocco’s conclusion in the continental showpiece, Amrabat will return to Manchester rather than parent club Fiorentina.
Despite his limited role thus far, United bosses are convinced the 26-year old still has plenty to offer and will provide crucial squad depth as the Red Devils battle on four fronts.
With club captain Casemiro firmly occupying Amrabat’s favoured holding midfield post and Danish dynamo Christian Eriksen excelling in a deep-lying playmaker role, the loanee has been restricted to mainly late cameos off the bench.
Yet Erik ten Hag’s high-intensity pressing system demands supreme fitness and durability in midfield.
United feel Amrabat’s tireless work rate and combativeness can still serve them well as fixture congestion mounts – if he maintains full focus on seizing any opportunities thrown his way.
The Red Devils’ vote of confidence now challenges the AFCON-bound battler to push harder following his return, as United’s engine room heads into the business end fighting for trophies.
