Erik ten Hag ‘accepts transfer defeat’ as private belief hints at new plan

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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reportedly had to convince some club figures over the summer deadline-day signing of Sofyan Amrabat. However, fresh claims suggest he’s about to accept he was wrong about the loanee thanks to the unexpected emergence of an exciting alternative.

Amrabat joined on the £10million season-long loan to bolster Ten Hag’s midfield options during an unconvincing start to the campaign.

The 27-year-old’s arrival was met with optimism thanks to his reputation as one of the top players at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, he’s only enjoyed a handful of impressive performances among his 17 appearances for United, leaving supporters unconvinced he suits the pace of English football.

According to The Sun, Amrabat is unlikely to join United permanently next summer, with Ten Hag already planning his return to Fiorentina.

It’s claimed that the doubts over Amrabat within Old Trafford have spread since his move. Ten Hag has, therefore, been left with little choice but to snub the option to buy in his contract.

The report claims that some at United consider the midfielder a good player but not the ideal fit for the Premier League. There is said to be other interest in his signature around Europe.

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Ten Hag has reportedly been left more open to Amrabat’s exit due to Kobbie Mainoo’s breakthrough in his second season at the helm.

The 18-year-old has caught the eye in his first three Premier League starts – away games at Everton, Newcastle United and Liverpool.

And The Sun claim that Ten Hag wasn’t expecting to have Mainoo as a first-team option this term before fast-tracking him into his plans.

The Dutchman is said to consider Mainoo one of the most talented young players he has ever worked with during his time as a coach.

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If the Stockport-born teenager continues his meteoric development, he could feasibly enter next season as a starter under Ten Hag.

Mainoo fills the spot in the squad that Amrabat was expected to occupy, leaving little reason to extend his stay beyond the summer if he doesn’t show significant improvement.

However, United will likely return to the midfield market if Casemiro completes a strongly linked move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season.

Scott McTominay could also return to the shop window if a suitable offer arrives, another exit that Mainoo would help offset.

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