On Wednesday night, Manchester United won 3-2 with the two standout players were once again those Erik ten Hag has used sparingly.
Erik ten Hag has had a turbulent campaign in charge of Manchester United, and yet it seems as though he’s destined to survive in his role.
Despite some pretty horrendous form, Ten Hag has remained confident throughout and certainly doesn’t seem like a man who’s fighting for his job.
In the past two games, things have even improved with slightly better performances and even control within games thanks to the new midfield choices Ten Hag has made.
Now, one of his latest players to star has spoken out, and his words say it all.
What Sofyan Amrabat said after Manchester United beat Newcastle
After the win against Newcastle, Sofyan Amrabat spoke with the media. It was a game in which he was among the best on the pitch, but he quite rightfully has pointed out that he’s been unfairly treated of late.
As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Amrabat said: “But trust me, this is still not Sofyan on the top.
“It’s my second 90 mins in four, five months.
“I’ve been patient. I was always ready for the team when they need me, one minute or ten minutes.”
The Moroccan international pointing out that he’s hardly played, raises a good question as to why Ten Hag didn’t want to use him when the midfield was so clearly lacking muscle and defensive structure – something Amrabat has brought.
The decision not to sign Amrabat may have been made too soon
When Amrabat arrived on loan, he like the fans assumed that Ten Hag would want him to be starting and that the buy-option of £21m would be triggered.
But as the season has developed, he’s been used ever so sparingly which raises the question of whether he will be signed permanently with reports earlier this year and late in 2023 suggesting it wouldn’t be triggered.
But his recent performances with Ten Hag finally utilising him as a number six, makes the prospect of signing him permanently look like the correct option, which suggests United may have acted too soon in refusing the option.
That being said, there is likely still a chance minds are changed and with Amrabat playing his way into the team for the FA Cup final and this Sunday, he may force Ineos’ hands.
Along with this, Amrabat would be a fairly cheap solution to a position United need to strengthen and with both Casemiro and Christian Eriksen likely to leave, it would be wise to keep him.