Why Man Utd and Liverpool want big match monster Amrabat

Sam McGuire

• Updated: 19 Jul 2023 11:53 CDT
• 5 min read

Liverpool and Manchester United could yet again be on a collision course.

The two bitter rivals have been battling it out for the same players over recent summers. The Reds claimed Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister despite reported interest from the Red Devils, while United came out on top in the battle to sign Mason Mount even though the Merseyside club had made him one of their top summer targets.

If reports are to be believed, the clubs are once again vying for the same player.

EXCLUSIVE: Ten Hag makes Amrabat midfield priority

Sofyan Amrabat is liked by both teams as they look to bolster their midfield options.

Fabrizio Romano claimed Manchester United are keen on the midfielder but nothing is imminent while multiple journalists covering Liverpool reported the 26-year-old is on the club’s list of potential Fabinho replacements.

The Brazilian was set to stay at Anfield this summer but a €46 million bid from Al-Ittihad changed everything. Fabinho didn’t travel with the rest of the squad for pre-season training and a deal is expected to be finalised over the coming days. His departure leaves a significant void in the Liverpool squad that needs to be immediately filled by a player with the quality to ensure there is no drop-off.

By comparison, United could well move on the likes of Donny Van De Beek and Fred this summer so need to add depth and Erik Ten Hag knows of Amrabat from his time in the Eredivisie. Both were at Utrecht at the same time.

Why is the 49-cap Morocco international so in-demand right now though?

He’s had quite the 12 months. He was one of the standout players at the World Cup and a host of clubs seemed interested in him during the winter window. He remained with Fiorentina and now he’s being linked with Bayern Munich, Man United and Liverpool.

His showing in the Europa Conference League final won’t have hurt his reputation either.

The €35m-rated midfielder attempted 76 passes in the loss to West Ham but was successful with 91%. He also won 100% of his tackles, made six ball recoveries and was involved in 15 ground duels and five aerial duels.

Quite a lot of people remember his performance against Spain in Qatar too. He won all four of his tackles and recovered the ball on nine occasions. Amrabat won all seven of his ground duels and committed zero fouls.

In big matches, the former Feyenoord man makes his presence felt.

He’s busy without the ball while also being calm and composed when in possession. The 6ft1 midfielder is a physical presence who isn’t afraid to get stuck in but then there’s also a touch of class to him when he’s on the ball. He’s able to be a destroyer and a deep-lying playmaker, but he manages to be both to a high level.

Old Trafford or Anfield: Where should Amrabat go?

Amrabat might not be an elite-level name or someone with the potential to be world-class but for the reported fee, that cannot be expected. However, he could come in and do a job for both teams. He could anchor the midfield for Liverpool while they figure out what their long-term plan is and he could step in rotate with Casemiro at Old Trafford if the former Real Madrid man needs to have his minutes managed. After all, United really did suffer when he wasn’t available last season. Bringing someone who can lessen the burden on him would benefit the entire team.

If Amrabat wanted to be a starter, Anfield would be the best destination for him this summer. The Reds seem to be looking at a number of project players - the likes of Romeo Lavia and Ryan Gravenberch - and these would be inconsistent. Amrabat would offer a level of reliability that might otherwise be lacking.

EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool consider Leon Goretzka to bolster midfield

However, those at Anfield might view him as a short-term solution. The potential departures of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson could well have forced Liverpool into panic buying and once they’ve figured out what is next, Amrabat could find himself as a squad player.

If he’s accepted the role of a squad player, Old Trafford might be better for him. United are more of a settled team right now and they can plot out both their short-term and long-term plans for him. Some players want assurances and guarantees and the Red Devils are in a position to offer both. It could be enough to see them make it 2-1 this summer in the transfer battle.