Sofyan Amrabat shows he’s an absolute class act in Manchester United win over Nottingham Forest

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Manchester United’s defensive crisis continues, but you wouldn’t know it, based on last night’s performance.

Let’s look at the number of injured defenders who missed last night’s game for Manchester United.

Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia. That is £200 million combined worth of players based on the fees the club spent on them.

At left-back there really did not seem like many good options at all. Victor Lindelof had played there recently, before shifting into central defence.

Step forward Sofyan Amrabat, who resumed at left-back in the role where he made his debut for the club, with the injury crisis dating back to last September.

Sofyan Amrabat steps up

The previous Sofyan Amrabat experiment at left-back ended with a dismal display at home to Galatasaray.

The on loan midfielder is capable of playing there, but he’s a midfielder first and foremost, so it was not something United were keen to try again, unless an emergency.

Last night was one of those situations, and to his credit, Amrabat performed really well, with his performance a hot topic among fans post-game.

Amrabat shifted around a little, moving over to the right at times, and on occasion was seen driving through midfield when a gap presented itself.

His numbers from the game were very impressive, with the Moroccan tidy on the ball and effective defensively

• 97 per cent pass accuracy: 58 of 60 completed
• 100 per cent long ball accuracy: 7 of 7
• 74 Touches
• 1 Chance Created
• 100 per cent tackles won: 2 of 2
• 2 Clearances

A chance for Amrabat to prove his worth

After a stint with Morocco at the African Cup of Nations, Amrabat has not had a lot of game time at all in 2024.

Casemiro’s return has seen him establish himself as partner for wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo, who has been a first choice player in 2024.

He was on the bench last night, rested ahead of the derby at the weekend, with Scott McTominay starting in his place.

Who knows if Amrabat will be required at left-back again for the derby, it’s certainly possible. Whether in midfield or defence, he will give his all, and last night was an encouraging display from a player who was certainly desperate to play his part and compete for every ball.

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