MANCHESTER UNITED fans have spotted a major clue that Sofyan Amrabat will return to Old Trafford next season.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has denied the option to buy the midfielder who joined on a deadline day loan deal from Serie A side Fiorentina last summer.
But eagle-eyed fans have noticed that Amrabat is still featured on the ‘squad’ page on United’s official website – despite his loan deal ending 39 days ago.
There is even with a photo of the 27-year-old wearing the new home kit with a quote saying: “I will put everything into every action I take for the team.”
Though Amrabat underwhelmed for much of last season, he showed potential with a sublime performance in the FA Cup final win against Manchester City.
The Moroccan international had his heart set on staying in the Premier League, according to Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade.
And United fans were quick to pick up on Amrabat’s inclusion on the club page, with one saying: “Does this mean he’ll be at United next season?”
A second said: “Good squad player. But he only had a few good games. Should we really be keeping him?”
A third added: “I prefer him all day long to Casemiro. He didn’t get a proper run of things last season.”
While another said: “The problem is not numbers. It’s quality we need. He’s not at the level we need to move forward.”
MAN UTD TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from Old Trafford
OLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024
Erik ten Hag‘s weak midfield was highlighted as an area of concern last season, and club chiefs are keen to rejuvenate it this summer.
United have switched their focus on a number of different midfield targets including Manuel Ugarte, Martin Zubimendi, Joey Veerman and Sander Berge.
But getting a deal for Ugarte – who was the top priority – over the line is looking increasingly unlikely given Paris Saint Germain’s £51.4m price demands.
Leny Yoro – who underwent surgery this week after getting injured against Arsenal in his second preseason game – and Joshua Zirkzee have been brought in to bolster the defence and attack respectively.
Amrabat was plagued by injuries last season and struggled for form as he started just 15 of the 30 games he featured in.
He was, however, often forced to play out of position to cover Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia‘s injuries at left back.
The Red Devils paid Fiorentina £8.5m for the season-long loan, but have not yet decided whether or not to activate the £21.4m purchase option.
But if United do wish to bring him back, they’ll have to fight off former boss Jose Mourinho’s advances with his new club Fenerbahce identifying the Qatar World Cup star as a target.
