Manchester United’s recruitment team is facing a dilemma as it looks to rectify an apparent transfer error made by manager Erik ten Hag. Despite spending over $215m (£170m/€197m) in the summer, the team’s current position of sixth in the Premier League suggests that further reinforcements are needed.
One area of concern is the holding midfield position. It seems that Manchester United will be dipping into the transfer market again in January to find a suitable replacement for Sofyan Amrabat.
A 27-year-old Moroccan international, Amrabat was signed on a season-long loan from Fiorentina on deadline day, amid reported interest from Liverpool (per Dutch outlet AD). Man United paid $10.8m (£8.5m/€9.8m) upfront for the midfielder, with an option to sign him permanently for $27.2m (£21.5m/€24.9m) at the end of the season. However, Amrabat has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford, playing just 18 minutes of Premier League football in November. He was even overlooked in favor of teenager Kobbie Mainoo in the recent match against Everton.
This situation has put Erik ten Hag in an embarrassing position, as he had previously worked with Amrabat at Dutch side Utrecht and personally signed him for Manchester United. Ten Hag has faced criticism for his transfer business since his appointment in May 2022.
According to The Guardian, United’s recruitment team is now uncertain about Amrabat’s suitability for the club and may make a decision on his future as early as January. While his loan will not be terminated, an effective replacement could be targeted.
This has shades of the mess Liverpool got itself into with Arthur Melo. Another deadline day loan, the Brazilian had barely got match fit before a serious injury ruled him out for months, and he would ultimately never build on a single 14-minute cameo.
The Amrabat move has perhaps not gone quite so badly as that, but it’s still far from a good look for Manchester United and particularly Ten Hag. Whether Liverpool lost out or walked away, they will surely be relieved to have avoided the transfer.
While Amrabat gained recognition during the World Cup in Qatar last year, where he helped Morocco reach the semi-finals, it appears that his performances at Manchester United have not lived up to expectations. Liverpool’s interest was first reported on the back of those international exploits (Corriere dello Sport), and amid Arthur’s ongoing absence, but Ten Hag’s familiarity with the player ultimately proved decisive.
The search for a new holding midfielder is now underway at Manchester United, with the recruitment team looking to bring in another player in January. It is also interested in signing a central midfielder, a center-back, and a striker. The impending minority takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is set to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the club, could potentially impact United’s transfer plans. Financial Fair Play regulations may also limit the club’s ability to spend big, necessitating player sales before new signings can be made.
In addition to the midfield dilemma, there are also uncertainties surrounding the futures of Casemiro and Anthony Martial as Ratcliffe aims to overhaul Manchester United’s transfer strategy. Tottenham Hotspur could be a potential destination for Raphael Varane, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. With injuries and suspensions affecting their defensive options, Spurs may see Varane as a valuable addition to their squad.
As Manchester United navigates this transfer dilemma, it remains to be seen how it will address the issue of Amrabat and strengthen its squad in the upcoming transfer window. The club will need to make astute decisions to ensure it can compete at the highest level and improve its position in the Premier League standings.
