Sofyan Amrabat has claimed that Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Old Trafford over the summer.
Amrabat represented the Red Devils on loan during the 2023-24 campaign, making 30 appearances in all competitions, and the 20-time English champions had the chance to sign him on a permanent basis from Fiorentina.
Man United ultimately decided against bringing in the Morocco international on a long-term deal, though, with the club instead boosting their midfield with the signing of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Amrabat is now on loan at Fenerbahce, and he will face Man United in the Europa League on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old has claimed that Ten Hag wanted to keep him during the summer transfer window, but he has suggested that the club's new technical director Jason Wilcox ended his chances of moving to the club permanently.
Amrabat claims Ten Hag wanted to keep him at Old Trafford
"He (Ten Hag) wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best," Amrabat told the Daily Mail. "But not for Thursday. I hope they lose."
When questioned on the reason for his failure to move to Man United on a long-term basis, the midfielder added:"The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox."
Amrabat started Man United's final three Premier League matches of the 2023-24 campaign and was also given the nod for the FA Cup final, helping the Red Devils to record a 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
However, he ultimately made the move to Fenerbahce towards the end of the summer window, with the Turkish giants having the option to buy him at the end of the campaign.
How has Amrabat performed for Fenerbahce?
Amrabat has made six appearances for Fenerbahce, including four league outings, and he has played the full 90 minutes of their last two games in Turkey's top flight, suggesting that he is gaining the trust of head coach Jose Mourinho.
The Moroccan has also played the full 90 minutes of both of his new side's Europa League games this season, while he is in the starting XI for Thursday's clash with his former club in Istanbul.
Man United brought just three midfielders with them to Turkey, with Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Ugarte the only players in that area of the field available for selection due to injury and suspension issues in the squad.
Eriksen and Casemiro are both being tipped to leave Old Trafford next summer, suggesting that there could be a midfield revamp in 2025, with the 20-time English champions still having problems in the middle of the park. body check tags ::
