Sofyan Amrabat’s Manchester United Journey: From Disappointment to Triumph

Sofyan Amrabat’s loan spell at Manchester United appeared to be heading towards obscurity by the start of May. The 27-year-old Moroccan international hadn’t started a Premier League game since the away match against Liverpool in December 2023. His only full match came as a makeshift left-back in an FA Cup tie against Nottingham Forest, a position he embraced without complaint, contributing to a 1-0 victory.

Despite reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup with Morocco, Amrabat’s impact at United was minimal. He arrived on a season-long loan from Fiorentina, a move hastily arranged after Kobbie Mainoo’s injury against Real Madrid in a pre-season game. Fans were largely indifferent to his presence, as he hadn’t done enough to win them over during his sporadic starts.

Amrabat’s Perspective

For Amrabat, the season had been challenging from the start. Fiorentina, aware of his desire to leave, excluded him from pre-season training, leaving him to train alone without playing any games. Despite genuine interest from eight clubs across England, Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, he held out for Manchester United.

When the move materialized, an injury during training with the Moroccan national team delayed his debut. Once fit, Amrabat volunteered to fill in at left-back due to an injury crisis at United, highlighting his eagerness to contribute. He made his first start against Crystal Palace in the League Cup, despite having not played for three months. United’s 3-0 victory featured a solid performance from Amrabat, earning him a 7/10 rating from The National, which praised his defensive efforts and adaptability.

Inconsistent Playtime

January saw Amrabat leave for the Africa Cup of Nations. Upon his return, he found himself out of favor, managing just 45 minutes across 11 league games, often appearing only as a late substitute. His most significant league appearance came in a disastrous 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, entering the game with United already 3-0 down.

At this point, United’s season was at its nadir. Dropping to eighth place, they faced a daunting schedule against Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton, alongside an FA Cup final against Manchester City. Amrabat approached manager Erik ten Hag, pleading for a chance to start in his preferred No. 6 position. Ten Hag, under pressure to improve results, adopted a more pragmatic approach against Arsenal, pairing Amrabat with Mainoo in central midfield. Although United lost 1-0, the team’s performance, particularly Amrabat’s, showed marked improvement.

Final Flourish

Amrabat retained his place for United’s final league game, contributing to a victory that saw them finish eighth, narrowly missing out on European qualification. With Manchester City heavily favored to win the FA Cup and deny United a European spot, the final at Wembley was crucial.

To many’s surprise, Amrabat was selected ahead of Casemiro in a 4-2-2-2 formation. His performance against City was exceptional, showcasing his football intelligence and defensive prowess. He effectively disrupted City’s midfield, maintaining disciplined positions and protecting his defense. His efforts culminated in United’s triumphant FA Cup victory, a personal high for Amrabat who had twice been a runner-up with Fiorentina.

Future Uncertain

Amrabat now faces an uncertain future. United paid Fiorentina £8.5 million for the loan, with an option to buy for £20 million. Having finally demonstrated his value to fans and enjoying life in South Manchester, Amrabat hopes to stay. However, his future, along with that of several players and coaching staff, including Ten Hag, remains unclear.

Despite the uncertainty, Amrabat’s impressive end to the season has put him in a positive place, holding onto the hope that his time at Manchester United might continue beyond the summer.