Report: Departure needed before United move for Sofyan Amrabat

Manchester United will need to sell at least one more midfielder in this transfer window before a formal move for Sofyan Amrabat is made, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

United have already said their goodbyes to Fred as he left for Turkey, but expect another midfield departure before the close of the window. A £30m bid from West Ham was rejected for Scott McTominay last week, while Real Sociedad have become hesitant on moving for Donny Van de Beek on a permanent basis. The latter has reportedly also attracted interest from his former club AFC Ajax, but it is yet to be determined if they will make a formal move for the Dutch midfielder.

Romano believes this delay is the reason why no formal offer has been made to Fiorentina for Amrabat:

"“It’s gone a bit quiet on Sofyan Amrabat, but it simply remains the case that United have to sell two midfielders before signing Amrabat. Fred is gone; the other one could be Donny van de Beek but there’s still no agreement with Real Sociedad."

In an ideal world, United would have snapped up Amrabat already. But a move for the Moroccan has been carefully observed, much like all the other signings this summer. The Red Devils have been astute and balancing departures alongside any arrivals, in light of keeping in line with Financial Fair Play regulations – unlike some English clubs.

From a football perspective, Amrabat’s arrival is much needed for depth this season. Kobbie Mainoo’s injury put a damper to plans to integrate him into the senior side for now, so a reinforcement is becoming a necessity in a season that United will be expecting to play at least 50-55 games in. The core of the midfield for Ten Hag will be built around finding away to gel Casemiro, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes – along with a role for Christian Eriksen. An engine in legs in the figure of Sofyan Amrabat would enhance the midfield, especially in the latter stages of the season – something that United will look to avoid as they narrowly dragged themselves through the dying months of the last campaign.