Sofyan Amrabat can play in two positions (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Erik ten Hag says Sofyan Amrabat will play in one of two midfield positions following his move to Manchester United.
The Moroccan completed a season-long loan deal to Old Trafford on Friday, though the move is still awaiting clearance.
The midfielder was heavily linked with a move to the club throughout the summer and his absence was sorely missed in United’s first four matches, where they’ve lost twice.
Ten Hag confirmed following the defeat to Arsenal that he wanted to sign a defensive midfielder since the start of the window.
That would suggest that Amrabat had been signed as a competitor for Casemiro.
Amrabat sealed a move on Friday (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
However, the Dutchman says Amrabat is capable of playing further forward, and says he can play in midfield alongside the Brazilian.
‘It was already, from the start of the season, one of my wishes to get another [number] six, a holding midfielder, in the squad because through the season you need that depth there,’ said Ten Hag.
‘In that position we only had Casemiro who can play really well there. With others we have to make compromises but, with Sofryan Amrabat, we have another one.
‘Also he can play alongside Casemiro because he can also play a little bit higher on the pitch. So it’s very good to have him and I think he fits very good to Premier League football, to Champions League football. I think the demands are strong.
‘He is very dynamic, he’s very good in the duels. So we are pleased that we have him at United and I think he will contribute to our high targets we set.’
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Amrabat was unable to play against Arsenal as he was not registered in time.
The Moroccan has therefore missed four matches for United this season, but Ten Hag says he’s not ‘frustrated’ at how long the deal took.
‘No, sometimes you have to wait for the right timing,’ said Ten Hag.
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