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Sofyan Amrabat has spoken ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Manchester United, reflecting on his departure from Old Trafford and his relationship with Erik ten Hag.
The former United midfielder has flourished in Turkey under José Mourinho’s guidance, but it wasn’t the path Erik ten Hag had envisioned for him.
Ten Hag had reportedly pushed to activate Amrabat’s £21 million buyout clause to keep him at Old Trafford. Still, the Man United hierarchy opted for a £51 million move for PSG’s Manuel Ugarte instead.
Reflecting on his relationship with Ten Hag, which dates back to their time together at FC Utrecht, Amrabat expressed respect and determination in an interview ahead of their Europa League clash.
“He wanted to keep me this summer, so I wish him the best—but not for Thursday. I hope they lose,” Amrabat remarked with a hint of competitive edge.
His departure from Manchester was a point of curiosity. Still, when pressed for more details, he directed questions towards United’s new technical director, Jason Wilcox, stating, “The only thing I want to say is that you have to ask Mr. Wilcox.”
The 28-year-old midfielder had several Premier League suitors but ultimately chose Fenerbahce, where he now partners with fellow United outcast Fred.
Amrabat’s move to Turkey was sealed by a call from Mourinho, which proved pivotal. “When the Special One calls you, and you are his number one target, it’s different. I chose with my heart,” Amrabat explained.
Amrabat and Fred have embraced their new surroundings. The Moroccan praises his teammate as “a fantastic player” and Fred reflects on the difficulty of leaving Manchester, especially with his wife expecting a child.
After recent near-misses, the pair share a desire for silverware, including Amrabat’s World Cup semifinal run with Morocco and Fred’s record-breaking but title-less campaign with Fenerbahce last season.
With Mourinho at the helm, Amrabat believes Fenerbahce can end their decade-long Turkish title drought. “José means success, but it’s not magic. We need time to improve,” he said, confident that results will come.
As United prepares for a cauldron-like atmosphere at Istanbul’s Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Fred and Amrabat are eager to bring the heat, jokingly warning their former teammates of a fierce battle ahead.
Feature image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images
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