Erik ten Hag explains Casemiro midfield plan after Sofyan Amrabat transfer

04 September 2023 , 17:56

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Erik ten Hag has hinted how his midfield might look this season (Image: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag has outlined how new signing Sofyan Amrabat will fit into his Manchester United line-up following a deadline day move from Fiorentina.

After a prolonged pursuit of the Moroccan international, the Dutch boss finally got a deal over the line shortly before Friday's 11pm transfer deadline. The 27-year-old arrived on a season-long loan, with United having an option to buy next summer.

Ten Hag, however, wasn't able to use his new man in Sunday's Premier League game at Arsenal. And he was left to rue his absence as the Red Devils were beaten 3-1 at the Emirates, leaving them with six points from four games.

After the game, an irate Ten Hag lamented what he felt were two crucial VAR decisions and revealed Jadon Sancho was not selected over poor training performances. But he did also strike a more positive note when he explained why he'd been so determined to bring Amrabat to the club.

"It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there," he told reporters. "In that position we only had Casemiro who can play really well there. With others we have to make compromises but, with Sofryan Amrabat, we have another one."

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However, it doesn't appear that the two players will be competing for the same position. In fact, they're likely to line-up alongside each other in what could spell bad news for Christian Eriksen.

"Also he can play alongside Casemiro because he can also play a little bit higher on the pitch," added Ten Hag. "So it’s very good to have him and I think he fits very good to Premier League football, to Champions League football. I think the demands are strong."

Sofyan Amrabat sealed a deadline day move to Man United (Getty Images)

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Ten Hag also described his new star as "dynamic" and praised his tenacity. The comments come following criticism of United's midfield displays so far, with fellow signing Mason Mount currently ruled out with injury.

Amrabat's debut is likely to come following the international break when United host Brighton on Saturday, September 16. Prior to that, he'll likely be involved in his country's upcoming games with Liberia and Burkina Faso.

Fraser Watson