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Manchester United conceded three goals against Championship side Coventry City and almost let things slip in extra time before prevailing 4-2 on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag’s substitutions allowed Coventry back into the game and from being three goals down in the 70th minute, they equalised within normal time.
The Dutchman pointed to injuries for the embarrassing show with United’s midfield and defensive reserves severely depleted before the game.
Casemiro was forced to play as a centre-back as Willy Kambwala joined four other centre-backs on the sidelines. In midfield, both Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat also got injured during training.
Amrabat’s loan unlikely to be extended
The manager opted to bring off Kobbie Mainoo for the hardly-used Christian Eriksen as the Championship side gained impetus due to the Dane’s lack of pace.
The Moroccan would have been the ideal replacement as he is more of a natural defensive midfielder but so far in his loan spell, the 27-year-old has hardly impressed and has ended up making a number of high-profile errors.
The Fiorentina man last started a Premier League game in 2023 and it is clear to see that he is not the best fit for the English game.
He arrived on the back of not having a proper pre-season while Ten Hag initially was forced to use him as a left-back. That did not help with his confidence either.
🚨📃 #Napoli have also included Sofyan #Amrabat – out of #ManUTD‘s plans – and Guido #Rodriguez – as a free agent – on the list of midfielders. 🔵
📌 Especially in the event of #Lobotka‘s departure, they could become concrete options. 🐓⚽ #Transfers pic.twitter.com/y4HPCEqoM5
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) April 20, 2024
United are unlikely to sign him permanently and a return to Serie A could be on the cards if journalist Rudy Galetti is to be believed.
Defending Serie A champions Napoli are said to be willing to take a chance with the Morocco international who had played a stellar role for his country in Qatar while also helping Fiorentina reach the Europa Conference League final last season.
Now, Napoli also join the race
“Napoli have also included Sofyan Amrabat, who is out of Manchester United’s plans, and Guido Rodriguez, as a free agent, on the list of midfielders.
“Especially in the event of Lobotka’s departure, they could become concrete options,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite such an underwhelming campaign at Old Trafford, even Premier League sides like Fulham and surprisingly, Liverpool are both interested in a deal.
Then there is also Barcelona and Juventus and it will be interesting to see where Amrabat’s future lies after such a disappointing spell which both the player and United regret.
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