Manchester United have made some impressive moves in the transfer market so far, as they seek to improve on last season's positive showing under new manager Erik Ten Hag.
Though last year brought a return to the top four, and a first trophy in six years with the League Cup, there were still glaring issues at United, as they struggled to build from the back and to finish off chances at the other end of the pitch.
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Both of those issues have been addressed. They have already made the official announcement of goalkeeper André Onana's arrival to replace the outgoing David de Gea, while they appear to have finally abandoned their doomed approach of exclusively signing strikers in their mid-30s with the impending acquisition of young Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Group those with the arrival of England star Mason Mount from Chelsea, and it is looking like a very positive summer of business for Ten Hag and Manchester United.
Now, it seems that they have been given a major boost in their chase to sign 2022 World Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat.
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Manchester United: English side receive boost in pursuit of Sofyan Amrabat
Morocco's run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup was one of the greatest footballing stories in recent memory.
Central to their success was the strength of defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who was immense throughout as Morocco knocked out Belgium, Spain, and Portugal on a famous giant-killing run.
Amrabat has also been an essential cog in Fiorentina's side in Serie A in recent seasons, and the Italian side are desperate to hold on to the Moroccan maestro amid interest from major European clubs - largely brought on by his impressive World Cup performances.
In a major boost for Manchester United in their pursuit of the player, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed in recent days that Amrabat is keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Romano said on Twitter that Amrabat has "said yes" to a move to Manchester, and has wanted the move since the first negotiations took place earlier this summer.
Amrabat has no doubts: he said yes to Manchester United, he wants the move since first talks in June despite rich Saudi bids 🔴🇲🇦
Understand he never said he’s “staying” or anything similar. Fake quotes.
No official bid yet — Man Utd will send it as soon as Fred/Donny leave. pic.twitter.com/ZZz1eNds0W— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2023
Perhaps even more significantly, Romano reports that Amrabat has rejected the opportunity to follow the mass movement to the riches of the Saudi Pro League, in favour of pushing for a move to Ten Hag's Manchester United.
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Al Ahli, insisting for Franck Kessié deal with formal proposal expected — still waiting for player’s final decision 🟢🇸🇦
Follows Sofyan Amrabat giving priority to Europe despite Saudi approaches, he wants Manchester United move 🔴🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/tNoPp0UxV9— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 3, 2023
If Amrabat were to arrive, it would be the culmination of a remarkable strengthening of Manchester United's midfield in Ten Hag's first two seasons.
When the Dutch coach arrived, United's regular midfield selection consisted of Bruno Fernandes, alongside Scott McTominay and Fred, with the ageing Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic in reserve.
Since Ten Hag's arrival, United have released Mata, Matic, and Paul Pogba, and replaced them with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Mason Mount. If Amrabat were to arrive, the depth in the middle of the park at United would be seriously impressive.
Time will tell if the club can get this deal over the line.
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