Transfer Centre

Manchester United 'delaying' midfielder decision due to Erik ten Hag uncertainty

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 08 June 2024

Man United 'delaying' midfielder decision due to Ten Hag uncertainty

Manchester United will allegedly not make a final call on Sofyan Amrabat's future until the managerial situation at the club has been resolved.

Manchester United will reportedly not make a final decision on midfielder Sofyan Amrabat until head coach Erik ten Hag's future has been resolved.

The Red Devils are currently conducting an end-of-season review, but it is understood that the process is close to completion, with a call on Ten Hag's future potentially coming next week.

The 20-time English champions also have a big decision to make when it comes to Amrabat's future, as his loan switch from Fiorentina will officially come to an end on June 30.

Man United have a purchase option worth €20m (£17m) plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons, and Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has said that Amrabat is determined to stay in the Premier League.

"I would keep him in Florence but it doesn't seem like what he has in mind," Prade told reporters. "I think he wants to stay in the Premier League but we haven't heard from anyone yet since."

Manchester United's Sofyan Amrabat on September 26, 2023 © Reuters

Man United 'yet to decide on Amrabat move'

According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United have not yet made a final call on Amrabat, with a decision unlikely until Ten Hag's situation has been resolved.

A permanent switch for the Morocco international looked unlikely earlier this year, as he was finding it difficult to make his mark for the 20-time English champions.

Amrabat finished the campaign in impressive fashion, though, starting the team's final three league games of the season and also getting the nod over Casemiro for the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

The 27-year-old's performances late in the season are said to have made a big impression on Man United chiefs, with a permanent deal now thought to be possible.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

Is Ten Hag likely to lose his job?

The situation is regarded to be 50-50, and the fact that INEOS have not yet sacked Ten Hag suggests that he is more likely to stay than leave this summer.

There is no getting away from the fact that it was a hugely disappointing Premier League season, with the team posting their worst-ever finish of eighth.

However, the campaign was saved by their FA Cup success at the end of last month, which also secured a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.

Ten Hag got his tactics spot on in the final against Man City, and he has now delivered trophies in his two seasons at Old Trafford, which is an impressive record.

A lack of a suitable replacement could also work in Ten Hag's favour, although it would certainly not be a surprise if it was communicated that the Dutchman would be leaving this summer.