Man Utd have BETTER alternative to Amrabat ‘still on the shortlist’

Robin Bairner

Updated: 4 Aug 2023 08:37 BST
3 min read

Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina, Man Utd — © ProShots

Manchester United have been linked with a shock move for Bayern Munich defensive midfielder Leon Goretzka, who would join the club as an alternative to Sofyan Amrabat.

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Manager Erik ten Hag has apparently had his thoughts focused on Amrabat to reinforce his midfield for several weeks, but the stalling takeover process at Man Utd has delayed any prospect of the deal being done swiftly.

The Morocco international, who stared at the World Cup, is similarly doing everything he can to push through a move to Man Utd. On Thursday, he rejected the opportunity to make a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League to keep the possibility of joining the Red Devils live.

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Sky Deutschland reports, though, that Man Utd are considering the possibility of moving for Goretzka, a player of a similar profile to Amrabat, who would join instead of the Fiorentina star.

Florian Plettenberg reported: “Man Utd never lost their focus on Leon Goretzka! Understand the 28 y/o is still on the list of the club.”

Goretzka‘s future has been the subject of speculation since the end of the season, when rumours started in Germany that Thomas Tuchel is not the player’s “biggest fan”.

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These escalated in the middle of July, when Tuchel said: “Leon had, that's no secret, an unsatisfactory end to the last season. Because of his status, his contract, and his age, he's someone we expect a lot from: that he takes responsibility and supports the team.”

West Ham were reportedly interested in him as a replacement for Declan Rice, but no move has materialised, while Man Utd clearly retain an interest should their move for Amrabat collapse.

Goretzka better than Amrabat

Goretzka would be a better alternative to Amrabat in the centre of midfield, according to data analytics experts SciSports.

Although the Bayern star is two years older than the Fiorentina man, SciSports’ data proves that he remains a stronger option for Man Utd. Given his problems at FCB and his €37 million Estimated Transfer Value (ETV), he would cost a similar fee to Amrabat, whose value has been set around €35m.