After it was announced that Manchester United have agreed a £65 million deal to take Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund away from Bergamo, Erik Ten Hag will want to keep the pressure on in securing his midfield target ahead of the Premier League opener.
Three large pieces of the puzzle have been brought to Old Trafford this summer: Andre Onana, as the club’s first choice goalkeeper, Mason Mount, as Ten Hag’s primary midfielder to roam as an advanced eight, and Rasmus Hojlund, a much-needed centre forward to lead the line.
With those three in the spine, Manchester United fans should feel more relaxed going into the season knowing the bulk of their club’s business is done. It is a far cry from how the Red Devils have usually operated, leaving matters of great importance to the last minute, and so it is a welcome change for supporters this summer.
One name that continues to be at the tip of everyone’s tongue is that of Sofyan Amrabat. The midfielder, who led his Morrocco team to a World Cup semi-final, the first African country to ever have done so, is on the market this summer and ACF Fiorentina are counting on receiving offers.
With the likely departures of both Fred and Scott McTominay – which signals a very deliberate change of the old guard at Manchester United – Ten Hag wants to bring in another midfielder to make sure rotation is available with quality in depth.
Kobbie Mainoo, the young 18 year old who has been on the club’s tour of America, is unfortunately injured until end of September, which comes as a big blow to fans who saw him excel in their pre-season friendlies.
Mainoo can slot in as a number six, eight or 10 and has shown his calmness and composure on the ball against some top level opposition. His absence will be a negative for Ten Hag going into the season, but further incentivises the club to sign a midfielder due to it.
Regardless of both McTominay, who is subject to interest from West Ham and is valued at £40 million, and Fred, who Turkish side Galatasaray are pushing hard for, leaving this summer, Manchester United, quite clearly, need to go back into the market and sign a versatile midfielder.
Amrabat is just that. A perfect Casemiro replacement should he be needed, the Morrocco international can also play more advanced as an eight, with a fantastic breadth of technical skills and ability to pick the right pass at the right time.
At 26, soon to be 27, he fits into the philosophy of what the club are looking for: players who are hungry to reach the top of the game. Manchester United are moving away from the model of luring players to Old Trafford with cash incentives, but more so attracting those who are showing a desire to represent the team under Ten Hag.
Amrabat would be a brilliant signing and would complement the current midfield options that the Dutch manager has at his disposal. At around £25 million, Manchester United will not find a better option this summer.