Manchester United have struggled for consistency this season, and the form of many of their recent signings has been at the centre of their issues.
After an impressive debut season in charge for Erik Ten Hag, things have taken a dramatic turn this season, with United already having suffered 12 defeats in all competitions before we have even reached Christmas.
Premature exits from the Champions League and Carabao Cup were confirmed in recent weeks, with a top-four finish now looking like a huge ask for the club.
Amid their struggles, Manchester United have seen many of their summer signings struggle to make any form of impact, or actively hinder the team's performances.
One of those who has flopped in particularly startling fashion is midfield loan signing Sofyan Amrabat, and reports this week suggest that Erik Ten Hag has already made up his mind on whether to sign the Moroccan international on a permanent deal.
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Manchester United seem to have made up their mind on Sofyan Amrabat
After his stellar performances during Morocco's run to the World Cup semi-finals last winter, Manchester United fans were excited to see Sofyan Amrabat arrive at Old Trafford late in the summer transfer window.
It's safe to say that things have not worked out since his loan signing from Fiorentina.
Barring a handful of games, Amrabat has not displayed anything resembling the form which made him a target for United - and Liverpool, among others - over the summer. A particularly poor performance during Sunday's 0-0 draw at Anfield has his form under the spotlight once more.
Former #LFC target Sofyan Amrabat yesterday:
- 21/33 passes completed (64%)
- 1/8 ground duels won
- 16 times possession lost
- Dribbled past twicehttps://t.co/vSLWX6EMNQ— David Comerford (@Dave_Comerford) December 18, 2023
The Sun reported this week that patience with Amrabat's performances has begun to wear thin at Old Trafford, with Erik Ten Hag already preparing to send the defensive midfielder back to Fiorentina at the end of his year-long loan spell.
United have solid enough depth in the middle of the park, though their options at the base of midfield were an issue coming into this season. The emergence of exciting young talent Kobbie Mainoo has gone some way to encouraging United for the future, and it seems as though the 18-year-old's presence could be the deciding factor in letting Amrabat go at the end of the season.
If Amrabat were to leave after an unremarkable period at Old Trafford, it would draw the transfer dealings of Erik Ten Hag further into question.
Many of Ten Hag's signings have struggled to match the expected levels of performance, Amrabat included, while others such as Mason Mount and Sergio Reguilon have proven to be injury-prone.
Despite their poor run of form, Manchester United will have been encouraged by their draw at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, and now face down a festive period with a tricky run of fixtures. Their first assignment is against West Ham in London on Saturday, with kick-off at 12:30pm.
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