Sofyan Amrabat has been ruled unavailable and will not make his Manchester United debut against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.
The apparent availability of deadline day arrival Sofyan Amrabat had looked like being good news for a Manchester United side which have not had much positive to focus on over the past fortnight.
Amrabat, according to the Daily Mail, had trained with Ten Hag’s senior squad throughout the week; however, he was not actually pictured in training photos released by the club and has now been ruled out.
Manager Erik ten Hag confirmed via club media: “Amrabat, he came back unfortunately with the injury, so he will not be available for tomorrow [Saturday], but I think, on the short notice [soon], yes.”
Sofyan Amrabat must wait for Manchester United debut
As such, the Fiorentina loanee – who will set United back £30 million should he join permanently in 2024 – will not be in the matchday squad at the very least when Roberto de Zerbi’s free-flowing charges come to town.
Ten Hag did say it will be short notice until he returns, so it is possible he could be in the mix to face Bayern Munich next Wednesday.
His absence could provide a lifeline for Scott McTominay, although United’s three man midfield will likely be Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
‘Very dynamic’
Amrabat could be a difference maker as he is a player Erik ten Hag wanted badly.
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“It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another (number) six. A holding midfielder,” Ten Hag told the Man United website; the Red Devils finally getting their mitts on Amrabat after an eight-month pursuit.
“Through the season, you need that depth there. In that position, we only had Casemiro who can play really well there. 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.
Ten Hag added: “He is very dynamic. He’s very good in the duels. So we are pleased that we have him at United and I think he will contribute to our high targets we set.”
Amrabat’s energy out of possession and his supreme composure with the ball at his feet could have come in very handy against a Brighton side renowned for their high-press and their attacking intensity.