Sofyan Amrabat has received a significant endorsement from former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who has revealed that he wanted the Moroccan international to remain at Old Trafford beyond his loan spell but was overruled by the club’s management.
Nearly two years after their time together in England, Ten Hag has revisited the decision in an interview with The Athletic, expressing his belief that the midfielder deserved to stay following his contribution during the 2023-24 season.
- “I wanted to keep Sofyan Amrabat, they didn’t. I think he did a great job at United,” the Dutch coach said.
The comments offer a fresh perspective on one of United’s midfield decisions during Ten Hag’s tenure and underline the respect the former manager continues to hold for the Atlas Lions star.
Although Amrabat struggled to secure a regular starting position throughout his loan spell, his performances in important matches demonstrated the qualities that had made him such a highly regarded figure following Morocco’s historic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Amrabat Earned Ten Hag’s Trust at Manchester United
Amrabat arrived at Manchester United from Fiorentina in September 2023, joining the English club on loan after helping Morocco reach the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His performances on the international stage had established him as a midfielder capable of combining defensive intensity with tactical discipline and composure under pressure.
At Old Trafford, however, opportunities were not always consistent. The Moroccan made 30 appearances across all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign, often competing for a place in a midfield that underwent several tactical adjustments.
Despite the challenges, Ten Hag continued to trust him in important moments, particularly when United needed additional defensive protection and greater intensity in the middle of the pitch.
The Dutchman's latest comments suggest that he viewed Amrabat as a useful part of his plans and believed the midfielder had done enough to justify a permanent move.
For the Moroccan international, the endorsement provides recognition from a coach who understood his strengths and had worked with him earlier in his career.
The FA Cup Final That Showed Amrabat’s Value
One of Amrabat’s most memorable performances in a Manchester United shirt came in the 2024 FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.
With Pep Guardiola’s side entering the match as favourites, Ten Hag made the decision to select the Moroccan ahead of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, seeking greater defensive coverage and intensity in midfield.
Amrabat responded with an assured display as United produced an impressive performance to defeat their city rivals 2-1.
Goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo secured the trophy, delivering one of the defining moments of United’s season.
The Moroccan played an important role in helping his team compete against City's midfield and protect their advantage, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in a high-stakes encounter.
Manchester United’s own match coverage also highlighted his contribution among the team's standout performances.
Although one match could not determine his entire future at the club, the final offered a clear example of why Ten Hag valued his presence.
For Amrabat, it was an opportunity to demonstrate that he could contribute meaningfully against elite opposition when given a specific tactical responsibility.
Manchester United Chose a Different Midfield Direction
Despite Ten Hag’s preference, Manchester United ultimately decided against making Amrabat’s loan permanent.
Instead, the club signed Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024, while Scottish international Scott McTominay departed for Napoli during the same transfer window.
Ten Hag’s latest interview also raised questions about the decision to let McTominay leave, suggesting that the club’s approach to midfield recruitment did not always align with his own preferences.
The comments highlight the difficult relationship that can emerge between a manager’s sporting vision and a club’s wider transfer strategy.
For Amrabat, the decision meant the end of his time at Old Trafford despite the confidence his manager had placed in him.
Whether retaining the Moroccan would have produced a different outcome for United remains a matter of speculation. What is clear, however, is that Ten Hag believed the midfielder had made a positive contribution and deserved another opportunity.
From Old Trafford to Ajax: Amrabat’s Next Chapter
After leaving Manchester United, Amrabat continued his career with Fenerbahçe before spending a season on loan at Real Betis.
In August 2026, the 30-year-old returned to Dutch football by joining Ajax on a free transfer, signing a contract until June 2028.
The move represents another chapter in a career shaped by experience across several European leagues, with the midfielder bringing international pedigree and familiarity with Dutch football to his new club.
His previous relationship with Ten Hag also adds context to the coach’s latest remarks. The two worked together at FC Utrecht, where the Dutch manager helped Amrabat establish himself as a first-team player before their paths crossed again in Manchester.
Amrabat has previously described Ten Hag as one of the most influential coaches in his career, making the latest endorsement particularly meaningful.
For the Moroccan international, the priority now is to make an impact at Ajax and demonstrate that his qualities remain valuable at the highest level.
Ten Hag’s Verdict Reopens the Debate
Ten Hag left Manchester United in October 2024, only months after lifting the FA Cup, but his latest comments have brought attention back to the decisions that shaped his final seasons at Old Trafford.
His defence of Amrabat is a reminder that a player's contribution cannot always be measured by appearances or goals alone. Tactical discipline, defensive work and the ability to execute a manager’s instructions can be equally important, particularly in decisive matches.
For United, the decision not to retain the Moroccan remains part of a wider debate about recruitment and midfield planning during that period.
For Amrabat, however, the former manager’s words provide a clear message of support from someone who knows his game well.