Rabat – Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that he wanted Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat to remain at the club following a loan spell in the 2023-24 season, but the management decided against making the move permanent.
In an interview with The Athletic, published on Wednesday, Ten Hag mentioned several decisions made during his time at Old Trafford, including the club’s approach to strengthening the midfield.
“I wanted to keep Sofyan Amrabat, they didn’t. I think he did a great job at United,” the Dutch coach said.
Amrabat joined Manchester United on loan from Fiorentina in September 2023, following his impressive performances for Morocco during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The midfielder made 30 appearances across all competitions during his season in England, although he struggled to secure a regular starting position throughout much of the campaign.
His most memorable contribution came in the FA Cup final against Manchester City in May 2024, when Ten Hag selected him ahead of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The decision was intended to provide additional defensive coverage in midfield against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Amrabat delivered an assured performance as United defeated their city rivals at Wembley, with goals from Garnacho and Mainoo securing the trophy.
Manchester United’s own match coverage identified the Moroccan as one of the team’s standout performers in the final.
Regardless of that contribution, the club opted against retaining Amrabat beyond his loan agreement.
United instead signed Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, while Scott McTominay departed for Napoli during the same transfer window.
In his latest interview, Ten Hag also questioned aspects of those midfield decisions, particularly the departure of McTominay, whom he believed the club could have retained.
Ten Hag had previously helped the Moroccan establish himself as a regular first-team player at FC Utecht, and Amrabat later described him as one of the most influential coaches in his career.
After his departure from Manchester United, Amrabat continued his career with Fenerbahçe and later spent a season on loan at Real Betis.
The 30-year-old returned to Dutch football in August 2026 after joining Ajax on a free transfer, signing a contract until June 2028.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, left Manchester United in October 2024, just months after their FA Cup triumph.
