Manchester United kick off at Old Trafford tomorrow against Brighton, after the international break. However, new signing Sofyan Amrabat, is set to miss this game due to a previous injury.
Before signing the Moroccan international, United already knew about his back injury – as it appeared in his medical. Even though they knew about this problem, they still let the midfielder, who was very keen on joining the Red Devils, join up with Ten Hag’s men.
But the former Fiorentina was ruled out of his two games for the African Cup of Nations qualifier as a precaution by Moroccan coach Walid Regragui.
Erik Ten Hag discusses the Amrabat situation VIA MUTV:
"“Amrabat, he came back unfortunately with the injury, so he will not be available for tomorrow, but I think, on the short notice [soon], yes.”"
Ambrabat’s debut with United will have to wait, much like United had to wait with Rasmus Højlund. Until his back injury is fully recuperated and he is at a level of fitness that Ten Hag deems as good enough to feature for United.
During his time in Fiorentina, Amrabat played 107 matches and only scored 1 goal and delivered 1 assist. But we have to remember that Sofyan was a player for the former Ajax coach, back when he was younger in 2014 to 2017.
Realistically, the midfield for tomorrow will not feature the same trio that heavily featured for much of last campaign – Casemiro, Bruno and Eriksen.
It is true that the Moroccan player can help Casemiro in the defensive phase of the game, and also he is known to have good vision to play with. He has proven that with his performance in the 2022 World Cup, where he helped Morroco get into the semifinal in their fairytale run.