Manchester United new boy Sofyan Amrabat pulls out of Morocco over injury, while Erik ten Hag suffers another headache after a rocky start to the season
- Manchester United completed the signing of Sofyan Amrabat on deadline day
- The Red Devils had been chasing the midfielder all summer and finally got their man
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast ‘It all starts’
Manchester United have suffered another blow after new signing Sofyan Amrabat was forced to withdraw from international duty due to injury.
The Moroccan midfielder was loaned to United on deadline day by Fiorentina on a first-season loan, with the Red Devils paying the Italian side an £8 million loan with the option to finalize the deal next summer for £21 million.
Amrabat rose to prominence late last year when he played a key role in Morocco’s memorable journey to the semi-finals of the World Cup, as they became the first ever African side to reach the last four of the tournament, playing every minute in Qatar.
Erik ten Hag’s side – who chased the midfielder all summer before finally getting their man – have had a rocky start to the season after scoring just six points from four games, with the Dutchman hoping his new signing would come in and would make an immediate impression. .
However, there is now concern for United after Amrabat was replaced in Morocco’s squad for this week’s international matches due to injury.
Man United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has withdrawn from Morocco squad due to injury
The midfielder joined United on deadline day on an initial loan deal, with a £21 million option to buy
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The Atlas Lions will play against both Liberia and Burkina Faso, with the former of those two matches being an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier while the latter being just a friendly.
However, the severity of Amrabat’s injury is yet to be revealed the Athletics reported earlier this week how United discovered a back problem during his medical treatment.
Nevertheless, the problem is not considered serious and they hope to get the 27-year-old back to full fitness as soon as possible.
However, it does raise questions about his potential availability for the game against Brighton on September 16, after which United embark on a hectic schedule over the coming months.
They will generally play three games a week as their Champions League and Carabao Cup campaigns get underway.
Spoke earlier this week Amrabat revealed that he was inspired by a trio of legendary United midfield stars during his childhood.
“I think United had so many fantastic players and young midfielders,” Amrabat told the club club website.
“So in general I look more at the midfielders, like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and David Beckham.
The 27-year-old made it known with Morocco at the World Cup at the end of last year
It is expected that Amrabat will provide the much-needed depth in the midfield of manager Erik ten Hag
But there were so many great players. Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. I could go on naming names for an hour.’
The 27-year-old also showed pride at becoming Man United’s first Moroccan player, joking that his arrival will have given the club “an extra million” fans.
“I am very proud,” said Amrabat. “I think many Moroccans have already followed United, but now (there will be) many extra million fans from Morocco.
And they are so, so proud. I hope I can make United’s fans, and they too, very happy and proud.”
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