Man United’s January plans cast doubt over midfielder’s future

Manchester United’s season went from bad to worse on Saturday evening as they were beaten 1-0 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park. 

United slumped to a 3-3 draw against Turkish side Galatasaray on Wednesday, leaving their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages hanging by a thread.

They arrived in Newcastle in good form domestically, though, but Erik ten Hag’s side were outclassed by their hosts who were unfortunate not to score more than once.

Anthony Gordon’s second-half goal earned Eddie Howe’s side all three points, lifting the Magpies above United in the top flight table.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, it appears that those in charge of United are already planning ahead – and it could spell the end of one of their midfielder’s United career.

As per Football Insider, United are accelerating plans to sign a defensive midfielder in January, and their decision to do so could suggest that they have no plans to sign Sofyan Amrabat permanently.

The Moroccan midfielder joined the Red Devils on loan from Italian outfit Fiorentina over the summer, and the Premier League side have the option to purchase him next summer.

The club’s decision to delve into the transfer market in January suggests that they will instead allow the 27-year-old to return to Tuscany.

Since arriving in Manchester, Amrabat has made a total of 13 appearances across all competitions, however he has only started four Premier League games.

United are said to have paid £8.5 million to sign Amrabat on a season-long loan, and they would have to pay an additional £21.4 million to make the switch permanent.

Considering his lack of playing time so far, though, it appears unlikely that United will choose to activate the option-to-buy clause in the loan deal.

United signed AMrabat just months after he impressed at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he played an instrumental role in helping Morocco to reach the last four of the tournament.