Sofyan Amrabat: The First Moroccan at Manchester United
Manchester United have finished the loan signing of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina on the deadline day of the 2023 summer transfer window. The 27-year-old midfielder becomes the first Moroccan player to join the Red Devils, and will wear the number 8 shirt.
Amrabat, was born in the Netherlands and has 49 caps for Morocco, dazzled with his exhibitions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he assisted his country with arriving at the semi-finals. He likewise assumed a key part for Fiorentina last season, as they arrived at the finale of the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Europa Conference League.
United’s manager Erik Ten Hag, who recently worked with Amrabat at Utrecht, was quick to add him to his squad as an upgrade on Fred, who left for Fenerbahce recently. United will pay £8.5m to take Amrabat on a season-long loan, with an option to buy him for £21.4m next year.
Amrabat said he was delighted to join Manchester United, and described it as a dream come true. He said: “It’s a huge honor to become a Manchester United player. I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams.”
He added: “I’m a passionate player; I need to carry that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team. I know precisely how Erik ten Hag likes to function and what he really wants from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career. I know that he will assist to drawing out the best of my abilities so I can help the team with being successful this season.”
Amrabat is known for his versatility, dynamism, and technical quality in midfield. He can play as a defensive midfielder, a box-to-box midfielder, or an attacking midfielder. He is additionally adept at dribbling, passing, tackling, and shooting. He has been compared to former United star Paul Pogba, who left for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Amrabat is expected to compete with Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Bruno Fernandes, and Jesse Lingard for a place in United’s midfield. He could make his debut for United on Sunday, when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
United fans will hope that Amrabat can emulate the success of other African players who have played for the club, like Eric Bailly, Nemanja Vidic, Quinton Fortune, and Wilfried Zaha. Amrabat will likewise expected to make an impact as the first Moroccan player to win a major trophy with United.
