Sofyan Amrabat was unveiled as a Manchester United player this week (Picture: Getty Images)
New Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat says Erik ten Hag is one of the most important people in his career to date, after the pair worked together at Utrecht.
After a prolonged transfer saga over the summer, Amrabat has moved to Old Trafford on an initial loan deal from Fiorentina, with the Red Devils having an option to buy him at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old comes with a healthy reputation as a combative and industrious central midfielder, which was heavily boosted during Morocco’s shock run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar.
Ten Hag knew about him long before that amazing run last winter, though, manager Amrabat early in his career, from 2015-17 to Dutch side FC Utrecht.
The new arrival at Old Trafford has praised the Dutchman for his influence on him as a teenager, and says they share a burning desire to win.
‘It was very important because I was very young,’ Amrabat said of his time with Ten Hag in Holland.
Erik ten Hag and Sofyan Amrabat back in 2015 (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I was 18, 19-years-old and he gave me the chance to play in the first-team with FC Utrecht. We had a fantastic time, a really good season. I learned a lot from him so it was maybe he was one of the most important people in my career for now.
‘It’s fantastic [to work with him again] because I think Erik ten Hag is a coach who will push always to the limit. He’s hungry. He wants to win.
‘He’s a winner and I like that. I think I’m also similar, I’m also a winner. I want to win every day so I think it’s a good match.’
Amrabat is now on international duty with Morocco as they take on Liberia and Burkina Faso in the coming days.
He will hope to make his United debut against Brighton in the Premier League at Old Trafford on 16 September.
MORE : Sofyan Amrabat pictured with fellow Manchester United new boy Sergio Reguilon at training
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