Man Utd target Amrabat praised for admirable stance Osimhen could learn from

Robin Bairner

10 Aug 2024 21:13 BST
3 min read

Manchester United transfer target Sofyan Amrabat caused surprise on Saturday when he lined up for Fiorentina in a friendly with Freiburg, suggesting that he could be open to staying with the Viola for the forthcoming season.

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Amrabat spent last term with Man Utd on loan but struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, with Erik ten Hag’s side needing additional cover in the midfield, he has been linked with a potential switch back to Old Trafford.

Current ETV

Sofyan Amrabat

DM, M (C)

Fiorentina

Sofyan Amrabat

DM, M (C)

Fiorentina

ETV Range

€6.8M - €11.4M

He is one of a number of alternatives that United have on their shortlist as a deal for PSG’s Manuel Ugarte has stalled.

Instead of going all out and pushing for a deal to be done, though, he elected to make himself available to Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino, who has admitted that he would love for the Morocco international to remain at the club.

A great relationship has been born with him

- Raeffaele Palladino

"A great relationship has been born with him because I didn't know him as a man,” Palladino told the media.

“I met a great man and he made himself available to me despite the market rumours so I threw him on the pitch and he did a good job. We'll see what happens but I'm happy to have him and I'd be happy to coach him all year.”

Amrabat’s willingness to make himself available despite transfer rumours stands in contrast to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has been criticised by the local press for his attitude since returning to training amid a flurry of speculation over his future.

Fiorentina looking forward to De Gea arrival

Palladino also notably spoke about former Man Utd goalkeeper David de Gea, who signed for Fiorentina on Friday.

"His career speaks for itself, he has an international calibre,” he said of the long-time Old Trafford shot-stopper. “He also brings experience to the dressing room, he has made himself available and from Monday we will start working on him, even though he has been out for over a year and it will take time to get back into shape.”