Sofyan Amrabat to Man United is most likely to happen before the end of August. The Red Devils are heavily hell-bent on equipping their midfield ahead of 2023-2024.
Manchester United have the likes of Casemiro, Fred, McTominay, and others in the midfield. Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag desires to have more legs in the midfield.
The Red Devils believe that the Dutch manager is capable of winning the Premier League title. Therefore, they want to reinforce their squad.
Reportedly, Sofyan Amrabat has already reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United. Which means he’s close to moving to the Premier League.
The Moroccan midfielder will sign a 5-year contract, with a salary of €4 million per year. Erik ten Hag wants to work with the player at Old Trafford.
Despite focusing on Rasmus Højlund of Atalanta. The Red Devils have already made an official first bid of around €25 million to Fiorentina. However, the Serie A side wants some more.
According to Sky Sports, Sofyan Amrabat to Man United is most likely to cost around €35 million. Regardless, negotiations are still ongoing between the two sides.
Fiorentina are ready to sell the Moroccan magnifico. However, it’s now up to Manchester United to meet the club’s asking price for the defensive midfielder.
Interestingly, Fred is on the verge of joining Galatasaray this summer transfer window. Therefore, there would be enough space in the midfield for the Moroccan.
Also, Manchester United are planning to offload Scott McTominay. With West Ham United showing interest in signing the Scottish midfielder.
And Donny van de Beek will be allowed to leave. These players will definitely make way for Sofyan Amrabat to Man United, equipping the midfield.
It’s believed that the Red Devils will speed up the negotiations, if Fred actually joins Galatasaray. Also, Fulham are heavily interested in the Brazilian midfielder.
Sofyan Amrabat stats in Serie A (2022-2023)Â
29 appearances (24 starts)
59.3 touches
0.4 key passes
90% pass accuracy
0.7 interceptions
1.3 tackles
0.6 clearances
0.4 dribbled past
75% dribble success
3.1 (48%) total duels won
Potential-wise, the Moroccan magnifico is capable of boosting the team’s midfield. Amazingly, he’s specially built for the Premier League.
Barcelona were very interested in the player during the January transfer window. They wanted the Moroccan international as Sergio Busquets replacement.
Sofyan Amrabat’s stats under Erik ten Hag at FC Utrecht
50 games
27 wins
12 draws
11 defeats
That shows his level of defensiveness as a defensive midfielder. Erik ten Hag plans to use him alongside Casemiro, with Bruno Fernandes as an attacking midfielder.
While Casemiro focuses on controlling the midfield with his defensive prowess. Amrabat can use his dribbling skills to move the ball forward.
Sofyan Amrabat stats at 2022 FIFA World CupÂ
7 games (7 starts)
56.6 touches
0.3 key passes
85% pass accuracy
0.9 interceptions
2.3 tackles
1.4 clearances
0.7 dribbled past
3.4 (48%) total duels won
Unbelievably, the 26-year-old Moroccan had the most tackles in that tournament. Frankly, he would be a dangerous weapon for the Red Devils.
Sofyan Amrabat has been left out of the Fiorentina squad for their pre-season tour. As a result, his move to Old Trafford is getting closer this summer transfer window.
Managers like Ten Hag, Klopp, Guardiola, and others dictate the team’s tempo from the midfield. That’s why the Dutch gaffer wants to reinforce his midfield.
Sofyan Amrabat to Man United: What are his strengths and weaknesses?
The Moroccan magnifico is 26-year-old, which is the ideal age for a defensive midfielder. That explains why Chelsea and Barcelona wanted his signature.
Like N’Golo Kante, Amrabat’s biggest strength is his positioning in the midfield. It’s always interesting to watch the Moroccan commanding the midfield.
Sofyan usually focuses on his position on the pitch, staying close to the centre-backs. However, this actually affects the team’s offensiveness.
Nevertheless, he balances the team’s defensive display. As a result, he was dribbled past just 0.4 in Serie A last campaign, controlling the midfield on his own.
Sofyan Amrabat is a different defensive midfielder. Ball-carrying is also one of his strongest skills, he loves to progress the ball forward, relying on his dribbling prowess.
The Moroccan magnifico is a great dribbler, despite being a DM. Therefore, he’s enamored with moving forward, contributing to the team’s offensiveness.
The way he moves back and forth on the pitch is amazing. While putting his ball-carrying ability into action, he never leaves the midfield empty.
As a defensive midfielder, Amrabat’s passing is another of his biggest strengths. His passing prowess has been second to none at Fiorentina, since his arrival at the club.
The Moroccan magnifico is a brilliant passer. He showcased his passing skills at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, destroying the likes of Spain and the rest.
The player had 90% pass accuracy in Serie A last campaign, making 42 passes per 90 minutes. This was another reason why Xavi Hernández wants him at Barcelona.
Sofyan Amrabat makes different kinds of passes, short and long. And he does everything with ease, putting his defensive prowess into action against the opposition.
At the same time, Sofyan does make line-breaking passes. In all fairness, he’s going to be a dangerous weapon for Manchester United, particularly alongside Casemiro.
Having been a DM, the 26-year-old Moroccan midfielder is sound defensively. His defensive awareness is flawless, regardless of the competition.
Of course, it was obvious during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was the main reason behind the Atlas Lions displays in the midfield, commanding the pitch.
Amrabat is comfortable defending and winning duels for fun, both ground and aerial. That’s why he’s differently built for the Premier League, regardless of the toxicity.
Even though Sofyan has many attributes as a defensive midfielder. He doesn’t slip off defensively, staying close to the centre-backs, balancing the midfield.
Amazingly, the 26-year-old Moroccan international is capable of playing as a single defensive midfielder. He has the ability to control the midfield on his own.
Also, his versatility allows him to play as a double pivot. Which means he can hold the midfield alongside any other midfielders, exercising his defensive actions.
As a result, he can play as Casemiro’s backup, also playing alone in the absence of the Brazilian. His presence gives the Red Devils massive depth.
Another strength is press resistance; the Moroccan magnifico plays comfortably under pressure. He’s a kind of defensive midfielder, who handles pressure very well without making any errors.
WeaknessesÂ
Without being sentimental, the 26-year-old Moroccan doesn’t have any significant weaknesses. He’s such a complete defensive midfielder.
Sofyan Amrabat is a combination of Sergio Busquets and N’Golo Kante. He actually ticks all the boxes, considering his defensive attributes.
However, the Moroccan magnifico is poor in aerial duels. Because of his height, he doesn’t have the ability to be dominant in the air.
That looks like a massive loophole for the Red Devils. Because he is a defensive midfielder, he would have to be very strong in contesting aerial duels.
At the same time, Amrabat commits fouls often, collecting yellow cards for fun. Regardless, he would have to be careful in the Premier League.
There’s a massive gap between Serie A and the EPL. Nevertheless, his strengths are expected to help him succeed in the league.
Sofyan Amrabat to Man United: What is his position?
The 26-year-old Moroccan plays as a defensive midfielder. He has the ability to play as a lone No.6, which means he’s ideal for the Red Devils.
Unlike other DMs, Amrabat is capable of switching positions. His versatility gives him enough room to play every role in the midfield.
However, he naturally plays as a defensive midfielder. Erik ten Hag desires to play him alongside Casemiro, equipping the middle.
What is Sofyan Amrabat’s style of play?
The Moroccan magnifico ideally fits into the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations. Erik ten Hag can use him for different reasons in the midfield, hurting the opponent.
Speaking of his style of play, he likes to drop to the back line, staying close to the centre-backs. As a result, he usually forms a 3-2 buildup shape from the back.
As regards his ball-carrying ability, he loves to progress forward. He can easily advance the ball, making everything easier for his teammates up front.
Whenever the team is out of possession. Sofyan likes to stay in the center of the midfield, screening the opponent’s movement on the pitch.
Like I said earlier, the Moroccan magnifico likes to switch roles on the pitch. His ability to run hither and thither gives him an edge over the opposition.
Having had passing as one of his strongest skills. He likes to make short passes, rendering the defenders useless on the pitch.
More like Jorginho of Arsenal. The Moroccan international loves to dictate the team’s tempo, everything happening on the field revolves around him.
During the course of screening the pitch, he likes to hold up plays. That’s why he usually commands the midfield, working hand-in-hand with his teammates.