MUTV presenter shares what he spotted Sofyan Amrabat doing during Manchester United warm-up

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Manchester United new boy Sofyan Amrabat made his first start for the club last night against Crystal Palace.

The unexpected aspect for Sofyan Amrabat was having to fill-in at full-back due to the club’s injury crisis, not the role he was signed for.

It was a successful first start for the Fiorentina loanee, who helped United secure an important home victory.

He played 60 minutes before making way for 19-year-old debutant Dan Gore.

READ: Nine things we learned as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 3-0

Amrabat starts impressively

Sofyan Amrabat warmed up out wide by drilling in crosses from the edge of the box, preparing for the game ahead.

MUTV presenter Mark Sullivan explained he was impressed by the quality Amrabat displayed with his left-foot, which is not his natural one.

He said: “Seeing Amrabat doing his crossing drills, predominantly, right footed using his left. It shows what he can do when he does get in that position.

“He shouldn’t have a problem. He will drift into midfield no doubt.”

Amrabat did step into midfield early into the game when United had possession, very much playing the ‘inverted full-back’ role.

He drifted inside so much that he didn’t get too much opportunity to actually deliver crosses in from the left, but the observation still stood, about his quality with both his left and right foot.

In the second half he was able to play in a proper midfield role, with Victor Lindelof coming on at left-back in place of Mason Mount.

Amrabat was really strong defensively at full-back, putting in one sliding block to deny a cross, and outmuscling a Palace attacker to see out a threat. Palace had no success down his side.

Reacting to his performance, pundit Danny Webber told MUTV: “It starts with endeavour. He did his defensive duties very well, took it seriously, at no point did you ever feel uncomfortable with him being there.”

Erik ten Hag on Sofyan Amrabat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag spoke to MUTV and Sky Sports channels prior to kick-off and spoke highly of the Moroccan.

“He’s a warrior, he will do the job. That’s what Sofyan is. He wants to give everything for this match.

“He was one of the best players at the World Cup in the position as a holding midfielder, but he can play there and he’s a warrior, he’ll fight for the badge. He’s someone who will play where his manager needs him.”