Despite Man Utd dream: Ten Hag flop signs for Mourinho

Tom Weber

Updated: 31 Aug 2024 12:22 BST
3 min read

Sofyan Amrabat has completed a move to Fenerbahce.

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The Morrocan midfielder was supposed to be Manchester United's long-term answer to their holding midfield problem, with Casemiro not getting any younger and showing his age last season.

However, Amrabat ultimately could not manage to consistently break into the side and failed to perform most of the time, though he was not helped by the fact that his transfer saga dragged on for the entirety of the last summer window, while he also had to occasionally feature at left-back.

In many ways, the saga surrounding Amrabat was reminiscent of the one we witnessed involving Manuel Ugarte this summer. Erik ten Hag had spent the entire summer window chasing his top midfield target and finally landed him on Deadline Day.

The Red Devils paid a sizeable €10 million loan fee for Amrabat and have now shelled out up to €60m on Ugarte. Ten Hag must hope for the sake of his job security that the latter is a more successful signing than the former.

Amrabat joins Fenerbahce

Despite Amrabat failing to have an impact at Old Trafford, there were serious considerations to re-sign him in the event of a failure to land Ugarte. Ultimately, Man Utd were not forced into activating this contingency plan, though Amrabat was reportedly desperate to move back to the club.

With the chances of a Red Devils return dissipating, the 28-year-old bit the bullet and decided to leave Fiorentina for Turkey. The midfielder has joined Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce on an initial loan deal that will become permanent next summer.

The Istanbul giants are set to pay a €2m loan fee, while the purchase obligation stands at €13m. Additionally, they could secure up to €3m in bonus payments.

It's a very good deal for a 28-year-old who would have been out of contract next summer and who is coming off a disappointing campaign. It's also another big reinforcement for ex-Man Utd boss Mourinho.