Sofyan Amrabat was booked on 20 occasions for club and country last season (Picture: Getty)
Rio Ferdinand has warned new Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat he will need to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League amid concerns over his disciplinary record.
United’s summer-long pursuit of the Fiorentina star eventually came to a successful conclusion during the final hours of the transfer window, with the Serie A club receiving a £10million fee for the 27-year-old who will spend the season on loan at Old Trafford.
Amrabat was earmarked as a key target by Erik ten Hag, whose midfield has been easily overrun by the likes of Wolves, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest during the first three matches of the new campaign.
The Morocco international, who starred at last year’s World Cup, is well known to Ten Hag, who coached the player during their time together at Utrecht.
Amrabat’s combative style will no doubt add balance, as well as physicality, to United’s engine room, but after collecting 20 yellow cards for club and country last season Ferdinand hopes the player will have the ‘common sense’ to adapt.
He told Vibe with Five: ‘All players need to adapt and if he can do that quickly I think he’ll be fine. The game is quicker than Serie A, definitely.
‘He’s an international footballer who played well on the international scene so hopefully he’s got the common sense and concentration to be able to make sure he’s right.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
‘I think someone like Casemiro with his experience of last year missing a few games because of his ill-discipline here and there and maybe naivety towards the league he might be able to give him a point in the right direction.’
Amrabat will take a watching brief on Sunday as United travel to Arsenal after he failed to sign in time to be registered. His debut will likely come after the international break against Brighton and he cannot wait to get started.
He said: ‘It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player. I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams.
‘I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.
‘I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career.
‘I know that he will help to bring out the best of my abilities so that I can help the group to be successful this season.’
MORE : Manchester United complete loan signing of Sofyan Amrabat
MORE : Liverpool announce Ryan Gravenberch signing after beating Manchester United to deadline day deal
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.