Gary Neville stated that Manchester United felt the need to acquire Sofyan Amrabat during the summer transfer window, finalizing the deal on transfer deadline day for £8.5 million with an option to make the move permanent for £21.4 million. Amrabat, an international player for Morocco, has made 17 appearances for United this season, though his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations allowed 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to shine.
Mainoo rose to prominence with a crucial goal against Newport in the FA Cup and a match-winning strike against Wolves in the Premier League, earning praise from both teammates and pundits. Neville revealed that Mainoo’s talent was recognized within the club before Amrabat’s arrival, and the pursuit of Amrabat from Fiorentina was triggered by Mainoo’s injury.
Neville mentioned, “To be fair to Ten Hag, I inquired during the summer transfer window about the need for another central midfielder. At the time, Amrabat was linked with them, but they indicated that if Mainoo hadn’t been injured, they wouldn’t have pursued anyone else.”
Despite missing pre-season due to his own arrival at the club, Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million signing, acknowledged the buzz surrounding Mainoo. Hojlund praised Mainoo as a “generational talent” with an impressive physique and mature personality. Mainoo’s match-winning performances have established him as a regular in Ten Hag’s midfield, gaining admiration and respect from teammates and pundits for his composure and quality on the pitch.
