Manchester United will reportedly turn down the opportunity to extend Sofyan Amrabat’s loan from Fiorentina until next summer.
Sofyan Amrabat’s contract has a buy-out clause worth £21.5 million.
After impressing for club and country, Amrabat emerged as one of Erik ten Hag’s main targets last summer, playing a major role in Morocco’s progress to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
He eventually arrived at Old Trafford on deadline day, with United spending £8.5 million for the defensive midfielder on loan with a £21.5 million buyout clause.
However, the 27-year-old has deceived thus far this season, contributing to the Red Devils’ uneven play, which has landed them eighth in the Premier League and already knocked them out of Europe.
Ten Hag’s backroom staff raised doubts about Amrabat’s talents in November, and it now appears that the manager is similarly sceptical.
According to the Sun, United are unlikely to make his loan permanent, with Ten Hag’already arranging’ for his departure at the end of the season.
While it is believed that Amrabat is a good player, he is said to be unlikely to adjust to the rigours and tempo of England’s top division.
The appearance of Kobbie Mainoo indicates that Amrabat is no longer in Erik ten Hag’s long-term plans.
This decision is motivated not only by Amrabat’s dismal record, but also by the rise of Kobbie Mainoo, who has excelled since returning to play following a lengthy injury last month.
The 18-year-old midfielder has already started several important games, including away trips to Everton, Newcastle, and Liverpool.
‘He looks like a player who can cover his back four, but he can also take the ball, receive the ball, and start assaults as well – which is needed,’ United icon Paul Scholes said of Mainoo’s performances.
‘I think they’d be better off with Mainoo as the protector, because this back four needs to be protected.
‘I don’t think anyone else on the team has the legs, athleticism, and ball quality as well as this young guy, and he senses danger as well.’
Fans will be hopeful that Mainoo replaces Amrabat in the starting lineup for United’s next game, a trip to West Ham on Saturday.