06 September 2023 , 16:03
625
0
Sofyan Amrabat is looking to follow the example led by Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and David Beckham after completing his deadline day move to Manchester United.
United sealed a loan for the Morocco international, who has joined from Fiorentina. The move will set them back £8.5m for this season, with an option to make the move permanent for a further £21.5m next summer.
Amrabat has yet to make his debut for the club, and an injury issue identified in his medical brought fears he may have to wait a little longer after the international break. He has joined up with Morocco's squad for their upcoming fixtures, though, and has set his sights high when it comes to his club ambitions.
"I think United had so many fantastic players and young midfielders," Amrabat said. "So, in general, I look more to the midfielders like Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, David Beckham.
"But there were so many big players. Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I can go on for one hour to say names.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
"Of course, [my brother and I] spoke about it," he added, with his older sibling Nordin having spent time at Watford earlier in his career. "He told me that he thinks that I have to go to the Premier League, it is the strongest league in the world. So now I'm here, I can't wait."
What are your expectations for Amrabat at Man Utd? Have your say in the comments section
Sofyan Amrabat is closing in on his Manchester United debut (AP)United boss Erik ten Hag has already spoken about his plans for Amrabat. The pair worked together at Utrecht, where the midfielder began his playing career, before being reunited this year.
"It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there," Ten Hag said. "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.
"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."
After losing to Arsenal in their final match before the international break, United will return to action against Brighton on September 16. Four days later, they will begin their Champions League group stage campaign with a trip to Bayern Munich.