"I hope they lose" - Sofyan Amrabat makes feelings clear as he prepares to face Manchester United with Fenerbahce
Sofyan Amrabat has fueled the flames ahead of Manchester United's clash with Fenerbahce by hinting at discontent over his Red Devils departure. The Moroccan spent last season on a loan at Old Trafford, but United opted not to make the deal permanent.
Amrabat joined the Turkish giants from Fiorentina instead and will come up against the Reds in the Europa League tonight (October 24). He was asked why he wasn't playing for Ten Hag's side.
The 28-year-old suggested it was because of Manchester United's technical director, Jason Wilcox. He wished the club well but insisted he wanted them to lose (via UtdPlug):
"I have a special relationship with Ten Hag. He wanted to keep me this summer, so I wish him the best, but not for Thursday. I hope they lose. The reasons for my departure? The only thing I want to say is that you have to ask Mr. Wilcox."
Amrabat made 30 appearances across competitions for United last season. He was on and off Ten Hag's team, often asked to play as a makeshift full-back.
The 60-cap Morocco international seemed open to staying with the Red Devils beyond the expiration of his loan deal. According to The Evening Standard, an option to make the deal permanent for £17 million wasn't triggered.
"He gives a certain dynamic" - Manchester United's Erik ten Hag spoke glowingly of Sofyan Amrabat last season
Ten Hag had previously worked with Amrabat at Eredivisie outfit Utrecht. The Dutchman knew how versatile the central midfielder was and seemingly wanted him to remain at Manchester United.
Amrabat performed impressively last season in various positions. Ten Hag highlighted this when speaking in September 2023 (via the Standard):
"Sofyan is a player who, where the team needs him he will play. It’s one of the reasons we signed him. Every player has his best position, but he gives a certain dynamic in the game."
The Red Devils' higher-ups seemingly overruled Ten Hag over signing Amrabat permanently. Manuel Ugarte, who arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in a reported £50.5 million deal this past summer, was the club's midfield signing.
Ugarte has struggled to impress so far in United colors, failing to establish himself as a starter. The Uruguayan could face Amrabat tonight when Ten Hag's men face Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul.