What Can Manchester United Expect From Sofyan Amrabat?

After Manchester United finally managed to capture Sofyan Amrabat on transfer deadline day, what can United fans expect from the Moroccan midfielder?

Amrabat was signed on loan from Fiorentina last Friday and is expected to make his debut after the international break. The Red Devils recently announced that he will wear the number four shirt for the club.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat at the Emirates on Sunday, manager Erik ten Hag said after the game “It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another [number] six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there.

“In that position, we only had Casemiro who can play really well there. With others, we have to make compromises but, with Sofyan Amrabat, we have another one.”

Ten Hag also went on to say that Amrabat could work alongside Casemiro in midfield.

The option to play Amrabat as a deep-lying playmaker alongside Casemiro may be seen as a smart move due to United’s wretched away form against the top nine teams in the league over the last year.

The Red Devils have already lost twice on the road this season against top opposition. A recurring theme this season so far is the domination by multiple teams in midfield against United as Casemiro has been overrun in midfield and left exposed on many occasions.

Amrabat’s arrival could be seen a huge improvement in United’s midfield performances. The Moroccan is a midfielder who plays at a high intensity and covers a lot of ground with his pace and reading of the game which could complement United’s existing midfielders very well.

Another plus is that Amrabat can play a little higher up the field and offer a threat going forward.

Despite United chasing the Moroccan all summer for a relatively cheap price of around £30 million, they were only able to secure the midfielder on loan until the end of the season due to financial issues.

It can be assumed that if Amrabat impresses and manages to help turn United’s fortunes around, the club will be looking to sign him permanently next year.

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