The inclusion of Sofyan Amrabat in Manchester United’s starting lineup for two consecutive wins is poised to breathe new life into the midfield, marking a positive shift for the club.

 

When Sofyan Amrabat’s name was announced at Old Trafford as part of Manchester United’s starting lineup against Crystal Palace in the third round of the League Cup, cheers erupted from the home crowd. It was a clear sign that Manchester United supporters were in need of a fresh catalyst after a challenging start to the season.

 

Manchester United had endured a rocky beginning, suffering four defeats in their first six matches, plagued by a myriad of both objective and subjective issues that posed challenges for manager Erik ten Hag. Even their recent Premier League victory over Burnley provided only partial relief, as it required adopting a defensive style of play, ceding ball possession to the opposition.

 

Hence, the anticipation among Manchester United fans for Amrabat to serve as a game-changer was palpable. The Moroccan midfielder’s arrival marked the final signing of the summer transfer window and had been a coveted target of Carrington officials since January. Amrabat had garnered interest from other top clubs, including Barcelona and Liverpool, but Manchester United ultimately secured his services.

 

Injuries had delayed Amrabat’s debut for Manchester United, and when he finally made his first start against Crystal Palace, it was in an unfamiliar role – left back. While unconventional, this position was not entirely foreign to the 27-year-old, as he had previously played as a left-back three times during his time at FC Utrecht in the Netherlands.

 

Amrabat’s inclusion helped Ten Hag’s tactical system achieve better balance and a dominant 69% ball possession against Crystal Palace. While the League Cup match might not have been the best indicator, Amrabat is expected to bring the style of football that Ten Hag desires to the forefront.

In the win over Crystal Palace, it was Amrabat who recorded the first notable finish, demonstrating his versatility by frequently shifting from left-back to a higher midfield position. This relieved pressure on Casemiro and allowed Mason Mount to focus more on attacking rather than defensive duties.

 

Casemiro, who has been in fine form, scoring his fourth goal of the season, benefited from this setup. His goal was assisted by Mason Mount, who displayed improved cohesion in his movements and passes.

In the upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace in round 7, if the team’s personnel situation improves, Amrabat is expected to play a more traditional midfield role. His energy and versatility are set to provide support to Casemiro, Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and the attacking players.

Sofyan Amrabat appears poised to serve as the catalyst that propels Manchester United into the upper echelons of the Premier League.