Ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League contest with Fenerbahce this evening, Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that he’d be playing for the opposing side had it not been for one INEOS executive.
The Moroccan international is poised to start from the get-go when the tie gets underway in Istanbul at 8pm tonight, along with former United livewire Fred.
Amrabat spent last season on loan at Old Trafford, during which he tallied a total of 30 appearances in all competitions. 17 of those were from the off.
Perhaps his most memorable performance in red came in his final outing – the FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May. In the surprisingly dominant United showing, he had an 83 per cent passing accuracy after completing 25 out of 27 passes, won two ground duels, made two clearances, two tackles and blocked one shot (per Sofascore). As such, he returned to Italy with a medal to show for his stellar efforts.
Despite Amrabat’s FA Cup final endeavours, United ultimately opted against activating his £21.4 million buy clause – but were reportedly mulling over a permanent deal at a lower price.
Amrabat’s Old Trafford return was blocked by INEOS chief
The 28-year-old has now revealed that Erik ten Hag was keen to bring him back to Manchester over the summer before technical director Jason Wilcox intervened, blocking any potential transfer.
Speaking to Daily Mail (cited by the Metro) in the build-up to Thursday’s fixture, Amrabat divulged: “I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht. He wanted to keep me this summer, so I wish him the best, but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”
When further pressed on how his Red Devils departure unfolded, he added: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr (Jason) Wilcox.”
Of course, the midfielder was then targeted by Jose Mourinho to spend 2024/2025 at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, with the new terms now including an obligation to buy next summer.
