Manchester United is reportedly set to reject the opportunity to permanently secure Sofyan Amrabat’s loan from Fiorentina next summer.
Amrabat, identified as one of Erik ten Hag’s primary targets last summer, made the move to Old Trafford on deadline day, with United paying £8.5 million for the defensive midfielder on a loan basis, along with an option to buy for £21.5 million.
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Despite impressing for club and country, notably contributing to Morocco’s journey to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, the 27-year-old has failed to live up to expectations this season.
His underwhelming performances have contributed to Manchester United’s inconsistent form, placing them in seventh position in the Premier League and already eliminated from European competitions.
Concerns about Amrabat’s abilities were reportedly raised by Ten Hag’s backroom staff in November, and it now appears that the manager shares similar reservations.
According to The Sun, Manchester United is unlikely to exercise the option to make Amrabat’s loan permanent, and Ten Hag is purportedly already planning for the player’s departure at the season’s end.
While acknowledging Amrabat’s talent, the consensus is that he may struggle to adapt to the demands and pace of England’s top-flight.
This decision is influenced not only by Amrabat’s lackluster form but also by the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, an 18-year-old midfielder who has impressed since returning to action after a lengthy injury last month.
Mainoo has been entrusted with starting key matches, including away fixtures against Everton, Newcastle, and Liverpool.
United legend Paul Scholes was among those to praise Mainoo’s displays, saying: ‘He looks like a player who can protect his back four, but he can also take the ball as well, he can receive the ball, he can start attacks as well – which is needed.
‘I think they’d be better having Mainoo in there as the protector, because this back four they need protecting.
‘I don’t think anybody else in the team has the legs and athleticism and quality on the ball as well and senses danger as much as this young lad.’
Supporters will eagerly anticipate witnessing Mainoo once again in the starting lineup instead of Amrabat for United’s upcoming match – an away fixture against West Ham scheduled for Saturday.
