Man Utd have 'made early decision' on Sofyan Amrabat after summer move

Manchester United have reached an initial verdict on the future of Sofyan Amrabat after his loan from Fiorentina ends, reports from Italy have claimed.

The Morocco midfielder, who starred at the 2022 World Cup, was courted by several top clubs, including Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, during the January transfer window.

But he stayed put at Fiorentina until the end of the season, and helped them to the Europa Conference League final, where they lost to West Ham in Prague.

After a protracted saga, Amrabat completed a loan move to Old Trafford on deadline day in August, with Erik ten Hag reportedly identifying him as a key addition to United's midfield.

But it has been a challenging start to life at the club for the 27-year-old.

Injury meant he didn't make his United debut until September 23, and he has been substituted at half time in both of his most recent starts for the club.

Amrabat has been on United's bench in each of their last two Premier League fixtures, and it is unclear over what role he will play for the rest of the season despite some promising signs in the other games he has played.

Now, according to Italian outlet Fiorentina News, the Moroccan is 'very likely' to return to Fiorentina this summer, and not sign a permanent deal with United.

Furthermore, it is claimed that he is 'more likely' to sign for another club rather than play for the Italian side again.

🚨 It is very likely that Sofyan Amrabat will not join Manchester United on a permanent transfer. Fiorentina are not thinking about his return - he’s more likely to sign for another club. #MUFC [@Fiorentinanews]

— mufcmpb (@mufcMPB) November 23, 2023

Amrabat's versatility was hailed as a key factor in his signing by Ten Hag, with the Dutchman telling United's official website: "He is also capable of playing in a higher position on the pitch and even he can play as a wing-back or full-back."

During the squad's full-back injury crisis, the 27-year-old did play at left-back on numerous occasions and while he put in solid displays, it appeared clear that he would be more effective in midfield.

Of course, if United are indeed considering the option of not signing Amrabat permanently, as the report claims, that view could change over the course of the campaign.

Do you think Manchester United will sign Sofyan Amrabat permanently? Let us know in the comments.