Manchester United were far too easy to play through last season and that was mainly due to Erik ten Hag’s change to a high-transition style, a shift that did not suit their star from the previous season, Casemiro.
The Brazilian struggled to track back and was asked to cover far too much space, something he can no longer manage. Injuries also did not help his cause.
The Dutch manager had brought in Sofyan Amrabat on loan on deadline day and having worked with him in the past, he felt the Moroccan could be trusted to step up when required.
However, arriving on the back of not having a proper pre-season, the Fiorentina star struggled in his new colours with many deeming he looked too slow for the rigours of the Premier League.
The Qatar World Cup hero was even termed a “fish out of water” for his horror shows. Having to play as an emergency left-back on occasions also did not help his confidence and most reports indicated that an exit was on the cards at the conclusion of the campaign.
Amrabat’s season in red, new target emerges
However, he unexpectedly shone during the FA Cup final triumph and suddenly, there were reports emerging that the player wanted to stay and the club was mulling over triggering the option to buy. With Ten Hag’s own future far from secure, no call was taken by the club at that point.
Since the window opened, the Red Devils have been linked with a sensational move for Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain with the Uruguayan open to the prospect of playing at The Theatre of Dreams.
News #MUFC #PSG: Manchester are optimistic about the transfer of Ugarte. The transfer fee could even be pushed down to 50 million euros. But: Erik ten Hag wants to keep Amrabat. That would make it difficult to sign another defensive midfielder.
— Christopher Michel (@CMoffiziell) July 2, 2024
While their first bid was rejected, United are confident that an agreement can be found between both clubs at a fee lower than €50 million, as per journalist Christopher Michel.
The only problem? Ten Hag, who is set to stay and close to signing a new long-term deal, wants the club to keep the Morocco international if it comes down to choice between the pair. He was even spotted modelling the new kit, another hint of a prolonged stay perhaps.
EtH prefers Amrabat stay over Ugarte deal
“Manchester are optimistic about the transfer of Ugarte. The transfer fee could even be pushed down to 50 million euros. But: Erik ten Hag wants to keep Amrabat. That would make it difficult to sign another defensive midfielder,” the journalist wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
While Amrabat did improve towards the latter stages of the season, not bringing in Ugarte when the opportunity was there seems to be the wrong choice based on the player’s performances in the recent past.
He started strongly for his new club, even being called a “revelation” but his minutes declined as the season progressed. He has bounced back during the ongoing Copa America, guiding Uruguay to the quarterfinals where they will face Brazil.
Even if the 20-time English league champions were to keep Amrabat, Casemiro looks to be on his way out with Saudi Arabian clubs lining up for his signature. His fellow South American midfield combatant could come in as the perfect replacement if INEOS decide to act.
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