Sofyan Amrabat | signs for United on loan

[OleGunnar20]

Another one who has no idea who Amrabat is and what he does

His stats might not show someone playing the role, that doesn't mean he is incapable. He looked to be a versatile midfielder in the World Cup. Strong in the tackle, busy in midfield, linking up play etc.

He's definitely no Casemiro regen, but he's not an Eriksen clone either. Who knows what role ETH would want for him should he sign. I like the look of him as a player personally.

 

[Crimson King]

Yes



If you want more control from midfield then you put him next to Casemiro. Like how he currently plays next to Mandragora for Fiorentina, who is the better defensive midfielder out of the two. Or, like what Real did when they had Kroos next to Casemiro to offer better passing and press resistance. You don't replace Casemiro with Amrabat. Especially not when your other two midfielders are not Modric and Kroos but Mount and Fernandes. It makes 0 sense.

Amrabat has worse defensive stats than 34y Busquets playing for a dominant Barca. He categorically cannot be a solo DM in this United team.

This makes it sound like it wouldn't be a good idea to sign him. Unless you're going to pair him with Casemiro rather than instead of him from time to time, then he won't add what we need to the squad.

 

[Hackman2210]

He was brilliant at the WC - prem is harder than that though and more gruelling. I do agree if Liverpool signed him we'd all be saying they've had a bargain! Truth is you never really know til you get them on the pitch. Old whats his name has been a let down at Liverpool and all us UTD fans wanted him - Brazillian guy went from Barca to Bayern to Liverpool. Whats his name???? Anyway - turned out shite.

 

[Banana Republic]

Error prone.
He would be a potential liability, as much as an asset.
Move on………

 

[Real Name]

Another one who has no idea who Amrabat is and what he does

What does he do then?

 

[crossy1686]

Y'all want to run players ragged and then wonder why the end of the season we fall off and get nothing.

You need rotation players throughout the season to ensure everyone's levels can be maintained till the end. Resting only when they're injured or suspended is not healthy for them or us.

No you don’t, you need very good players throughout the squad, not some ‘squad players’ and then your first 11. Complete waste of everyone’s time.

 

[MadMike]

His stats might not show someone playing the role, that doesn't mean he is incapable. He looked to be a versatile midfielder in the World Cup. Strong in the tackle, busy in midfield, linking up play etc.

The World Cup isn't a very good indicator. It's a 3-week tournament where players can play their heart out for teams that are not as well drilled as club sides. Amrabat is not 18, he's 26. There are many seasons worth of stats on him which show that he's not "the strong in the tackle, busy in midfield" type of player that you claim he is. Those 3 weeks last November don't change that.

 

[crossy1686]

One of the best at the world cup. He is 26 and good enough to compete with Casemiro. Replaces McT as well. Would be a great signing.

As long as he has the ability to muscle his way into the first team with good form then I’m all for it, but if he’s just backup it’s a stupid purchase.

 

[crossy1686]

Fred and McTominay appeared 56 and 31 times respectively last season while being firmly in the back-up category of squad members. Would you like that those two play as many games this season too?

No, but I wouldn’t like someone equally as shit to play that many games also. We need better players throughout.

 

[MadMike]

What does he do then?

I believe I've answered that several times in the last couple of pages, no?

 

[Real Name]

I believe I've answered that several times in the last couple of pages, no?

No, you just put stats. You're acting as if you know the player, watched him in action. So i repeat, what does he do in your opinion?

 

[Lay]

feck, no. He’s too slow

 

[MadMike]

This makes it sound like it wouldn't be a good idea to sign him. Unless you're going to pair him with Casemiro rather than instead of him from time to time, then he won't add what we need to the squad.

It can be a good idea to sign him as a squad option who can be used in games we want more control. Does ETH want to play against Liverpool/City away with a midfield of Case, Mount, Fernandes? Or does he want a more press resistant midfield and to play with Case, Amrabat and one of Mount/Fernandes. In that way it makes sense. But you cannot replace Case with Amrabat. One is a ball winner with amazing defensive stats and the other is a bit of passenger without the ball.

 

[MadDogg]

Yup, because what Fred and Mctominnay do not have, is energy and muscle

To be fair Fred doesn't really bring muscle and Scott, despite the narrative, doesn't really bring energy. Somebody who brings both together (although energy is certainly the more important of the two) could be useful.

 

[MadMike]

No, you just put stats. You're acting as if you know the player, watched him in action. So i repeat, what does he do in your opinion?

I didn't?

Amrabat is not even a DM. He's a playmaker, a DLP. But the defensive side of his game is very poor.

If you want more control from midfield then you put him next to Casemiro. Like how he currently plays next to Mandragora for Fiorentina, who is the better defensive midfielder out of the two. Or, like what Real did when they had Kroos next to Casemiro to offer better passing and press resistance. You don't replace Casemiro with Amrabat. Especially not when your other two midfielders are not Modric and Kroos but Mount and Fernandes. It makes 0 sense.

Amrabat has worse defensive stats than 34y Busquets playing for a dominant Barca. He categorically cannot be a solo DM in this United team. He cannot replace Casemiro, they do very different things.

He's a very good passer, a press resistant player, a tempo dictator. He's slow and the defensive side of his game is pretty weak. He doesn't read the game well defensively nor does he win enough 50/50s, tackles or interceptions to be classed as a DM. He plays next to better DMs for that reason. He's also not 10.

 

[Real Name]

Thanks. But I still think he'd be good enough to replace Casemiro in games against weaker opposition and be used along him in tougher games.

 

[justboy68]

He’s an interesting player in that he strongly passes the eye test (he’s looked great every time I’ve seen him) but his stats are potentially a little concerning. None the less for 20 odd million I’d say it’s definitely worth a go.

If Case is out or needs a rest then maybe pairing Amrabat with Fred/McTom provides the right kind of balance to make up for it. He can collect the ball and dictate the play while Fred/McTom can bolster the defensive side with some harrying and interceptions. You could move one of Bruno/Mount to the wing or have Mount as an impact sub.

 

[MadMike]

To be fair Fred doesn't really bring muscle and Scott, despite the narrative, doesn't really bring energy. Somebody who brings both together (although energy is certainly the more important of the two) could be useful.

Despite the narrative, energy without speed or purpose is utterly pointless. Eriksen has the most KMs covered per 90 in this team, one of the highest in the league, yet he's second to every challenge and he never wins the ball. He's also not very good at the defensive reading of the game. Amrabat isn't fast, isn't strong on the challenge and his defensive reading isn't the best. I'd rather have Fred doing defensive work than Amrabat any day of the week.

 

[thomas porter]

Would be a great low cost addition to give us cover for Casemiro and in big games could partner Case as well.

I'd personally prefer a younger more expensive option like Man Utd Kone or Romeo Lavia but given money is tight and we have a lot of pressing needs up front and at gk i'm fine with a budget option as a backup 6.

 

[MadMike]

Thanks. But I still think he'd be good enough to replace Casemiro in games against weaker opposition and be used along him in tougher games.

The mere fact that you think he's only good enough to replace Casemiro in games where we potentially don't need a defence-screening DM, is why can't be a cover Casemiro.

But you know, you're free to believe whatever you want.

 

[Real Name]

The mere fact that you think he's only good enough to replace Casemiro in games where we potentially don't need a defence-screening DM, is why can't be a cover Casemiro.

But you know, you're free to believe whatever you want.

Well I didnt say he's only good enough for that, didnt I?
Thats how you read it.

 

[MadDogg]

No you don’t, you need very good players throughout the squad, not some ‘squad players’ and then your first 11. Complete waste of everyone’s time.

Ideally yes and in the long term that's certainly where we hope to be. But in the short-term there are certain spots in our team that are so weak that bringing in decent squad players for cheap can make a fairly big impact on the bottom level of our team and stops us falling off so badly.

That's not to say that this guy is a good example of that. I've literally never seen him play a match in my life as far as I know. But in our situation I don't see any issue with bringing in players who are good back-up and have good mentality if they are available for cheap. Then in a year or two we can prioritise those positions to give a proper improvement/competition when we have the funds available. The key of course is they have to be 'good' back-up. Our January loan deals of Wout and Sabitzer are examples of players who proved not to be good enough.

 

[MadMike]

Well I didnt say he's only good enough for that, didnt I?
Thats how you read it.

You didn't mention another way in which he can be used, did you? You still haven't. So yes, that how I'll read it.

 

[Real Name]

You didn't mention another way in which he can be used, did you? You still haven't. So yes, that how I'll read it.

You read it how you want it, still wont be as I meant it.

 

[Crimson King]

It can be a good idea to sign him as a squad option who can be used in games we want more control. Does ETH want to play against Liverpool/City away with a midfield of Case, Mount, Fernandes? Or does he want a more press resistant midfield and to play with Case, Amrabat and one of Mount/Fernandes. In that way it makes sense. But you cannot replace Case with Amrabat. One is a ball winner with amazing defensive stats and the other is a bit of passenger without the ball.

Ok thanks. I admittedly know very little about him other than what I saw at the WC. I try not to base my opinions of a player based on international tournaments. I've seen way too much of Mac Allister to know that winning the WC elevated him far too high in some people's estimations...

It sounds to me like Amrabat is more of a replacement option for Eriksen rather than Casemiro, based on how we set up last season? If that's the case I'm not totally against it, but it doesn't sound like the priority in midfield right now.

If you sign this guy, you still need someone to potentially fill in for Casemiro.

 

[MadMike]

You read it how you want it, still wont be as I meant it.

You're free to explain how you meant it whenever you want. I'm here. Unless you mean to tell me I should be reading your mind instead about things you refuse to elaborate on, all the while demanding detailed explanations from others.

 

[Real Name]

You're free to explain how you meant it whenever you want. I'm here. Unless you mean to tell me I should be reading your mind instead about things you refuse to elaborate on, all the while demanding detailed explanations from others.

I said he can be used in 2 scenarios.
You failed to read it properly it seems.

 

[justboy68]

Am I missing something or how are you then acting as an all conquering expert on the player?

It's confusing but there's both a MadMike and a MadDogg.

 

[Real Name]

It's confusing but there's both a MadMike and a MadDogg.

My mistake.
This never happened.

 

[MadMike]

I said he can be used in 2 scenarios.
You failed to read it properly it seems.

No I read it properly, the problem is your end I'm afraid.

Thanks. But I still think he'd be good enough to replace Casemiro in games against weaker opposition and be used along him in tougher games.

Playing next to Casemiro is not replacing him. So you only mentioned one scenario of him replacing Casemiro, against weaker opposition, which is what I said. What happens if Casemiro gets an injury or a ban (again) and we have tough EPL or UCL games? You would go into those games with a MF trio of Amrabat, Mount and Fernandes? Without someone who can screen the defence? Or would you pick another player instead of Amrabat like McT? Because if so, how is Amrabat an actual cover for Casemiro if he's not trusted to do Casemiro's job when it matters?

 

[MadMike]

My mistake.
This never happened.

You're going Mad too

 

[Ali Dia]

I’d rather Andre and Varela as I think both have world class potential and will come to the boil just as Casemiro starts declining. I think signing this lad (he looks really good and aggressive don’t get me wrong) but I think it would up a bit like signing Telles to cover Shaw. I feel like he won’t play enough next season to stake a legitimate claim and will just head off again in a year or two.

 

[Real Name]

Playing next to Casemiro is not replacing him. So you only mentioned one scenario of him replacing Casemiro, against weaker opposition, which is what I said. What happens if Casemiro gets an injury or a ban (again) and we have tough EPL or UCL games? You would go into those games with a MF trio of Amrabat, Mount and Fernandes? Without someone who can screen the defence? Or would you pick another player instead of Amrabat like McT? Because if so, how is Amrabat an actual cover for Casemiro if he's not trusted to do Casemiro's job when it matters?

We're going in circles, I thought we moved on from him being a Casemiro backup. You yourself said he could replace him against weaker teams, so I repeated what you said and you dont agree with me. And yes I think he could do a job in tougher games dependingn how we would set up but it would be better of to buy a defensively better player it seems.

 

[NLunited]

Definitely not like for like replacement of Casemiro, but that isn‘t necessary anyways. Morocco has no dm playing alongside Amrabat.

He does break up play a lot and tackles more when playing for Morocco.

He‘s classified as dm/cm and is a playmaker/enforcer.

 

[elmo]

No I read it properly, the problem is your end I'm afraid.



Playing next to Casemiro is not replacing him. So you only mentioned one scenario of him replacing Casemiro, against weaker opposition, which is what I said. What happens if Casemiro gets an injury or a ban (again) and we have tough EPL or UCL games? You would go into those games with a MF trio of Amrabat, Mount and Fernandes? Without someone who can screen the defence? Or would you pick another player instead of Amrabat like McT? Because if so, how is Amrabat an actual cover for Casemiro if he's not trusted to do Casemiro's job when it matters?

Considering we went for years with a midfield trio of Scott, Fred and Bruno, that midfield trio you’re mentioning sounds good enough if Casemiro has to miss a game.

It’s not realistic to buy someone who can replace Casemiro completely, because at that point you’ll be spending a lot of money for a specialised backup player who should be getting more playing time to justify his fee.

 

[MadMike]

We're going in circles, I thought we moved on from him being a Casemiro backup.

I hadn't noticed us moving away from that, maybe I misread. If so, good.

You yourself said he could replace him against weaker teams, so I repeated what you said and you dont agree with me.

Maybe he can against weaker teams, I don't really know. It would have to be tried, it's not a certainty. Man City don't suddenly play without Rodri against weaker teams do they? They don't start games with a midfield of Gundogan, B.Silva and KDB. They rarely switch to that, even if they chase a game. Amrabat, Mount, Fernandes is an extremely attacking midfield and to assume it would work and not be exposed on the counter might be a bit naive.

And yes I think he could do a job in tougher games depending how we would set up but it would be better of to buy a defensively better player it seems.

This is where I flat out disagree, based on what I have seen. He cannot effectively screen the defence. Which is why he plays next to another DM. I would feel safer with McT there, than with Amrabat.

 

[croadyman]

Unwanted list has another member I see,surely we aren't looking for top class if his job is just to cover Casa when required

 

[Rolaholic]

 

[MadMike]

Definitely not like for like replacement of Casemiro, but that isn‘t necessary anyways. Morocco has no dm playing alongside Amrabat.

He does break up play a lot and tackles more when playing for Morocco.

He‘s classified as dm/cm and is a playmaker/enforcer.

Again, international tournaments are very misleading.

You say Morroco has no other DM playing next to Amrabat, but you fail to mention that Morocco played 5-4-1 in the World Cup. There were 3 CBs behind Amrabat and more lateral cover in midfield. We play 4-3-3, the 2 players in midfield 3 are likely to be Fernandes and Mount who are very attack minded. The amount of defensive work that would be expected of Amrabat playing in DM for United is on a whole different scale compared to the defensive posture of Morocco. It's apples and pairs.

 

[MadMike]

Considering we went for years with a midfield trio of Scott, Fred and Bruno, that midfield trio you’re mentioning sounds good enough if Casemiro has to miss a game.

Not even near for me. You're severely lacking in defensive ability there. Amrabat averages less defensive contributions per 90 than not only Casemiro but Scott and Fred as well. His defensive ability is simply subpar for a DM.