Manchester United’s Sofyan Amrabat, who showcased his versatility in the recent FA Cup clash against Nottingham Forest by assuming the role of left-back, now finds himself at a positional crossroads as the Red Devils gear up to face Manchester City in the upcoming league encounter this Sunday.
Despite persistent rumors hinting at Amrabat’s potential departure, the Moroccan midfielder, upon his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrated his adaptability against Nottingham Forest.
In a surprising move, he played as a left-back, earning praise for his solid performance, even though it’s not his natural position.
United’s manager, Erik Ten Hag, acknowledged Amrabat’s commendable display, stating, “Sofyan Amrabat is not a left-back, but he had a solid match.”
This has sparked speculation about whether Ten Hag might consider deploying Amrabat in the left-back position again, especially in the absence of Luke Shaw.
However, the move comes with its own set of challenges. Amrabat, primarily a defensive midfielder, has faced difficulties establishing himself in this role, drawing criticism along the way.
If chosen to play as a left-back against Manchester City, he will face the formidable task of defending against skilled attackers like Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva.
The level of competition against City is expected to be high, and Amrabat’s performance in this unaccustomed position will be under scrutiny.
Success could potentially endear him to Manchester United supporters, but failure might intensify the existing skepticism and hasten his rumored departure from the club at the end of the season.
As the derby against Manchester City approaches, the decision regarding Amrabat’s role – whether as a left-back or a defensive midfielder – looms large for Erik Ten Hag.
The match carries significant implications for Amrabat’s standing at the club, making it a pivotal moment in his journey with the Red Devils.
