Man Utd could now KEEP flop signing after unexpected U-turn

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Jun 2024 11:41 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United could yet keep Sofyan Amrabat, according to Italian media.

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The Moroccan midfielder arrived to plenty of fanfare at Old Trafford on Deadline Day last year after being chased all summer by Man Utd and Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman was keen to reunite with his former Utrecht protégé following his standout performances at the 2022 World Cup.

However, the hype dissipated fairly quickly. Amrabat was first shoehorned into an unfamiliar left-back role and when he did play in his favoured holding midfield position, he failed to impress.

By the end of the campaign, the 27-year-old was fully considered a major flop, though he did somewhat redeem himself with a good outing in the FA Cup final against Man City.

Nevertheless, it came as no surprise when news surfaced that Man Utd had no intention to exercise their €25 million purchase option. Now, however, it seems this stance has changed.

Man Utd to keep Amrabat?

At least that is according to Sky Italia's Gianluca di Marzio, who reports that Man Utd are yet to make a final decision on Amrabat and could still opt to keep him.

The report does not provide much information on the decision-making process, though one would imagine that Man Utd's financial situation will inform the final choice.

The Red Devils will likely be in the market for a Casemiro replacement and given the price of players such as Joao Neves or Amadou Onana, Amrabat could represent a bargain option and he would not need time to become accustomed to Ten Hag's system.

Amrabat himself has openly spoken about his desire to remain at Man Utd, but the decision won't be his to make. If Man Utd opt against signing him, he has other options.

It is unlikely that he will stay at Fiorentina, but he could remain in Italy, with Juventus and Milan tentatively linked. However, it seems that the most concrete interest is currently coming from Turkish giants Galatasaray.