04 September 2023 , 08:06
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Erik ten Hag has expressed his delight at Manchester United signing midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
The Red Devils secured the signing of the Moroccan on a season-long loan deal from Italian side Fiorentina. He was one of four signings that United managed to get over the line on the last day of the transfer window.
Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir joined from Fenerbahce, whilst Sergio Reguilon also arrived from Premier League rivals Tottenham on loan. Jonny Evans was also confirmed to have put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season. The Red Devils’ capture of Amrabat finally brought to an end their long pursuit of the midfielder.
Speaking after his side’s 3-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, United boss Ten Hag was thrilled to finally welcome him to Old Trafford, whilst he also opened up on what Amrabat would bring to the club.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: “It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another [number] six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there.
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“In that position we only had Casemiro who can play really well there. With others we have to make compromises but, with Sofyan Amrabat, we have another one.
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“Also he can play alongside Casemiro because he can also play a little bit higher on the pitch. So it's very good to have him and I think he fits very good to Premier League football, to Champions League football. I think the demands are strong.
“He is very dynamic, he’s very good in the duels. So we are pleased that we have him at United and I think he will contribute to our high targets we set.”
Amrabat’s arrival at Old Trafford came extremely late, with United looking desperate for more midfield options. He - alongside a number of options - were touted for moves.
Whilst Ten Hag had previously expressed his desire for more signings, Amrabat’s signing was only sealed in the final hours of the transfer window. Asked if he was frustrated that the deal was not secured earlier, the Man United boss replied: “No, sometimes you have to wait for the right timing.”
Amrabat is now set to wait for his debut for the Red Devils. Domestic action pauses for the upcoming international break for the next fortnight.
United are next back in action on Saturday September 16 as they take on Brighton at Old Trafford. Amrabat, 27, has yet to play any competitive football this term having previously been left out of the Fiorentina side whilst his future remained up in the air.