'A bit late' - Sofyan Amrabat gives honest verdict about lack of game time at Manchester United

Sofyran Amrabat
Amrabat started in midfield. -Credit:MUTV


Sofyan Amrabat is grateful for the opportunity to start for Manchester United in the last two matches but feels those chances from Erik ten Hag came too late.

Amrabat had made just one start - in the FA Cup - across all competitions in 2024 until making the starting line-up against Arsenal in the Premier League last weekend.

The loanee won praise for that performance and he brought balance to the midfield, which saw him retain his starting role for the visit of Newcastle on Wednesday night.

Amrabat impressed again and made an important challenge in the first half to prevent a goalscoring opportunity for Anthony Gordon after Casemiro was dispossessed.

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United aren't expected to trigger their option to sign Amrabat on a permanent deal for €25m and the player was in a reflective mood when speaking to MUTV.

"I'm very happy we won today," he said. "That's the most important thing, but of course, it's nice to show yourself, although it's still not Sofyan Amrabat at the best I can play.

"I think it's my second game now in four or five months that I've played 90 minutes, so I'm 100 per cent normal, but I'm happy I played good and the team played good.

"Against Arsenal, we deserved more and when we play like this, we're difficult to play. I think in general in football, when you play good and win games, it gives you confidence."

Amrabat continued about his future: "It's not been easy because everyone wants to play, I've been patient and always ready for the team when they need me, whether for one or 10 minutes, I always give my best.

"You can just work hard and wait for the chance to come. That chance might have come a bit late in the season [laughs] but I'm happy it did."

Ten Hag, who previously worked with Amrabat at Utrecht, pushed to sign his former player last summer but has given him sporadic opportunities to play.