Romano reveals Man Utd's Amrabat alternative

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 10 Sept 2023 09:37 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United lined up Youssouf Fofana in case they did not manage to get Soyfan Amabrat over the line, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian reporter spoke on his YouTube channel about the club’s interest in the midfielder, saying that they even reached out to Monaco about his situation.

Romano told his followers: “Amrabat was always the top target. But the Plan B, from what I am told, was Fofana from Monaco. Because Inter and Man Utd, in the final days of the window, ask for information for Fofana. Both clubs wanted to sign him on loan with a buy option, but Monaco, after thinking about it internally, decided to say ‘no’ and keep Fofana. Man Utd considered Fofana, so let’s see what the future brings, as Erik ten Hag and the Man Utd scouting department always follow the same players. “

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But ultimately, Erik ten Hag got his man, with Amrabat joining the club on deadline day on an initial loan deal.

McTominay's future

It comes after the story that Fulham are contemplating a move for Scott McTominay in the upcoming January transfer window as a replacement for Joao Palhinha, meaning room would be available for Fofana.

Fichajes reports that if Palhinha heads to Bayern Munich at that time, the Cottagers could make a play for the midfielder. The 26-year-old academy graduate has found himself on the fringes of Ten Hag's squad and was made available for transfer by the club in recent months, with West Ham making a failed offer during the summer window.

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During the summer transfer window, Man Utd was open to selling McTominay and received multiple inquiries from Premier League clubs, but he ended up staying. Even Bayern Munich were among the interested parties and may have explored the possibility of acquiring him.

and may entertain reasonable offers from suitors for the 26-year-old midfielder. Should Palhinha be sold, Fulham might have the necessary financial resources to bring in McTominay as his replacement.

This scenario could come to fruition in January if Scott McTominay remains on the fringes of ten Hag's plans. With McTominay keen to maintain his form and fitness ahead of Scotland's Euro 2024 campaign, regular playing time will be crucial.