Sofyan Amrabat has revealed that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him at Old Trafford, but he was forced to leave the club. Now the midfielder is helping Morocco reach the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Amrabat's United Exit
Amrabat joined United on loan from Fiorentina in 2023, reuniting with Ten Hag who had coached him at Utrecht. Despite Ten Hag's desire to extend the loan, United opted not to make the move permanent for a £21 million fee. Instead, they later paid Paris Saint-Germain £51 million for Manuel Ugarte, who is now injured and facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2024 after joining Fenerbahce, Amrabat said: "He (Ten Hag) wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose." He added: "[You'll] have to ask [United's director of football] Mr. [Jason] Wilcox" about his departure.
World Cup Success
Amrabat has played only one of Morocco's four World Cup games so far, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 4-2 win over Haiti. Morocco defeated the Netherlands on penalties to set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Canada. Victory would likely set up a quarter-final against France.
Despite limited playing time, Amrabat remains a key part of Morocco's squad. Competition is fierce with Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, Roma's Neil El Aynaoui, and Girona's Azzedine Ounahi all vying for midfield spots.
United Career
Amrabat helped United win the FA Cup in 2024, playing the full match in the final against Manchester City. He spent last season on loan at Real Betis before joining the World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte, signed to replace Amrabat, suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup while playing for Uruguay, who exited in the group stage. His recovery could block any summer transfer.
