There is no better way to bow out than with an FA Cup win at Wembley over your local rivals. If this is to be Erik ten Hag’s final game in charge of Manchester United, then the Dutchman can leave Old Trafford with his head held high and with a medal around his neck.
The same goes for Raphael Varane, a colossus at the back less than a fortnight after it was announced that he will be leaving Manchester United when his contract expires this summer.
There is ongoing uncertainty, too, surrounding the futures of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and late substitutes Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
As for Sofyan Amrabat, while many have reported that the decision has already been made and than Man United will not be triggering the £21 million option-to-buy clause in his contract, this was the sort of display which suggested the Fiorentina loanee may still have a role to play in United’s plans.
Sofyan Amrabat shines in Manchester United FA Cup win
This, in short, was the sort of display which got him to Man United in the first place. Turning back the clock to late-2022, the Moroccan maestro put in a performance reminiscent of his monstrous World Cup campaign in Qatar.
Of Ten Hag’s starters, only Varane and Marcus Rashford produced better than his 92 per cent pass completion rate (WhoScored). Amrabat also provided a steady, composed presence in front of a well-drilled back four, giving Kobbie Mainoo the freedom he needed to double United’s lead on the stroke of half-time.
“A very big compliment to the coach. (Ten Hag) prepared us so well,” a beaming Amrabat told Ziggo Sport. “This is exactly the plan we wanted, and what he said came true.
“We just had to keep it compact, keep the spaces very small, work really hard and then hope to do something during transitions.
“I think we scored two perfect goals and gave away very little. In the end, all in all, it was a perfect plan and weexecuted it to perfection.”
Fiorentina loanee opens up on Old Trafford future
When pressed on whether he will be staying put beyond the summer, Amrabat issued a rather eye-opening response. As far as he is concerned – and contrary to the reports – no decision has been made just yet.
“Do I already know what I’m going to do next year? No. We are going to talk,” adds the 27-year-old, who previously worked with Ten Hag at Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
“Staying is certainly an option. Look, I think it has been a very difficult season. For Manchester United it needs to be much better, and also for me personally.
“(The season) wasn’t easy. I have always remained calm and trained very hard. Ultimately, that patience has been rewarded.
‘We are going to talk. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, so who wouldn’t want to play football here? But all parties have to be happy with each other, so we will sit down now and see what happens.”
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