Man Utd bosses overruled Erik ten Hag and blocked one signing from happening this summer

Manchester United bosses reportedly blocked manager Erik ten Hag from making one transfer over the summer.

Ten Hag continues to face pressure regarding his future at United following a disappointing start to the 2024/25 Premier League season where the Red Devils have won just three of their eight matches so far.

During his time at the club, the Dutch manager has often faced criticism for some of the players that he has brought to the club during his five transfer windows in charge.

And now, it has been revealed that Ten Hag was overruled by higher-ups at the club after he attempted to sign another player during the 2024 summer transfer window.

As revealed by The Daily Mail, Ten Hag wanted to activate the option to buy included in the contract of Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who joined the club on a season-long loan in September 2023.

After impressing at the Qatar World Cup in late 2022, Amrabat was on the radar of several of the top European clubs and eventually made the move to Old Trafford from Serie A side Fiorentina.

Included in his loan deal to United was a £21million option to buy clause but, despite Ten Hag's requests to trigger it, United owners INEOS decided instead to pursue Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club from Paris Saint-Germain for £51m over the summer.

Speaking about his time at United, Amrabat said: "I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht.

"He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose."

Sofyan Amrabat made 30 appearances for Manchester United last season. (Image: Getty)

When asked if he could reveal any more details about exactly why United's higher-ups decided not to keep him at the club he appeared to suggest that Jason Wilcox, United's new technical director, may have played a significant role.

"The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox," added the 28-year-old.

On Thursday night, Amrabat will be reunited with his former club as United face Fenerbahce in an exciting Europa League clash in Istanbul.

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