According to Gary Neville, Manchester United found themselves compelled to secure the services of Sofyan Amrabat during the summer transfer window. The midfielder’s arrival at Old Trafford on transfer deadline day in September was seen as a move to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad.
Amrabat, an international player for Morocco, was brought in on an £8.5 million loan deal, with Manchester United retaining the option to make the transfer permanent for £21.4 million.
Throughout the current season, the 27-year-old has made 17 appearances for United. Despite his absence due to participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, Amrabat returned to Ten Hag’s squad for the fixture against Manchester United. However, his time away allowed young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to seize the spotlight.
Mainoo, aged 18, has swiftly risen to prominence at Manchester United. His breakthrough moment came with a goal against Newport in the FA Cup, followed by a crucial winner against Wolves in the Premier League, securing three valuable points for United. With Amrabat sidelined, Mainoo has established himself as a regular feature in Ten Hag’s midfield.
Neville, a former Manchester United defender turned pundit, revealed that Mainoo’s talent had been recognized within the club long before Amrabat’s arrival. He suggested that Mainoo’s injury was the catalyst for Manchester United’s pursuit of Amrabat from Fiorentina.
Neville remarked, “To be fair to Ten Hag, I inquired during the summer transfer window about the need for another central midfielder. At the time, Amrabat was linked with them, but they indicated that if Mainoo hadn’t been injured, they wouldn’t have pursued anyone else.”
Mainoo’s impact has not gone unnoticed by his teammates either. Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived at United in a £72 million deal, attested to Mainoo’s burgeoning reputation within the squad.
Despite missing out on pre-season due to his own arrival, Hojlund acknowledged the buzz surrounding Mainoo among his peers, describing him as a “generational talent” with an impressive physique and mature personality.
Following Mainoo’s match-winning heroics, Hojlund praised his composure and quality on the pitch, emphasizing his incredible talent at just 18 years old. With Mainoo’s emergence, Manchester United’s midfield has gained a promising young prospect who has quickly earned admiration and respect from teammates and pundits alike.
