Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that he only wanted to join Manchester United this summer despite speaking with a number of clubs.
The 27-year-old had a terrific 2022/23 campaign for club and country. He was crucial for Morocco in the centre of the park as they reached the World Cup semi-final against the odds.
Amrabat continued the bright form with La Viola in Italy. He helped his club qualify for the Coppa Italia and Conference League finals where they lost to Inter Milan and West Ham United.
This summer, Amrabat was linked with almost every elite club in Europe including United’s arch-rivals Liverpool, but the midfielder always had a clear ambition to move to Old Trafford.
Speaking to The Times, Amrabat admitted that it was long and difficult transfer window for him and he was delighted to join United on loan before the deadline on September 1.
He said: “After the last game of last season, the Conference League final with West Ham [for Fiorentina], the [transfer] window started for me, and a lot of clubs were talking [to me].”
“But it was clear I wanted Manchester United. They were long, long months for me, very difficult. But in the end it was nice on the last day [of the transfer window] that I signed.”
United currently have the option to buy Amrabat at the end of the campaign. When pressed on the clause, the midfielder admitted that he would love to stay for the long term.
The former Club Brugge man is hoping that the club have a fantastic season with silverware. He is prepared to give everything to fight for the badge during his debut campaign.
“Of course, I would love to stay here, but I don’t look too far in the future. I hope we have a fantastic season, win something, and then we will see what will happen. The only thing I can do now is give everything that I have,” he added.
“When I make a step on the pitch, for me it’s normal that you give everything, that you fight for every metre and give your all for the team and fight for the badge. That’s the minimum.”
Amrabat could have a big career at Man Utd
Amrabat started his playing career under Erik ten Hag at Utrecht and the duo have been reunited at Old Trafford. The Moroccan has earned the move due to his tremendous talent.
The 27-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade, but he has played everywhere in his career apart from the striker role. His versatility has already been on display at the club.
Amrabat has featured at left-back in his first two appearances. Against Crystal Palace last night, he had a passing accuracy of 96 per cent and he won five out of his six duels.
He is a perfect addition for Ten Hag with his intense work rate and superb distribution. We have no doubts that United will trigger the buy clause on his loan contract.
The midfielder is currently in the peak of his career, having just turned 27.
Amrabat, who was described as a ‘world-class‘ player by Morocco manager Walid Regragui at the World Cup, could have at least another five years at the highest level.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
