Manchester United icon Paul Scholes recently heaped high praise on Sofyan Amrabat after the midfielder delivered a stellar performance in the FA Cup final, helping United secure a 2-1 victory over their fierce rivals, Manchester City. The Moroccan international, who was brought in to play in the pivotal number six role, proved his worth on the grandest of stages, stepping in for Casemiro, who was deemed unfit to start.
In what can only be described as a near-flawless display, Amrabat made 37 touches during the match and achieved an impressive 93% pass accuracy, completing 25 out of 27 attempts. His contribution didn’t stop there; he also won two duels, made two crucial clearances, executed two tackles, and even blocked a dangerous shot. Perhaps most striking was his composure under pressure, as he only lost possession three times throughout the game, a remarkable feat in such a high-stakes final against an elite opponent like Manchester City.
Shortly after the victory, which secured United the FA Cup trophy, Scholes took to Instagram to sing Amrabat’s praises, comparing the 27-year-old to the legendary Gennaro Gattuso in his prime. Scholes, himself a midfield maestro, was clearly impressed with the Moroccan’s combination of grit, intelligence, and technical skill. This comparison speaks volumes about how Amrabat has quickly endeared himself to both fans and former players alike since his arrival.
Amrabat’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Joining Manchester United on loan from Fiorentina last summer, his arrival was met with a whirlwind of speculation. United paid a hefty €10 million loan fee to secure his services for the season. Initially, he found himself deployed as a left-back by Erik ten Hag, a tactical move that raised eyebrows, given his natural inclination for midfield roles. However, over time, Amrabat began to feature more frequently in his preferred position, especially after delivering solid performances against teams like Arsenal and Newcastle United.
For much of the season, Amrabat struggled to secure regular playing time. However, when finally given the opportunity to start in the FA Cup final, he seized it with both hands. His performance not only solidified his place in the starting lineup but also raised the pressing question of whether Manchester United should trigger the €20 million option to make his loan move permanent at the end of the season.
The decision surrounding Amrabat’s future at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly significant, particularly with Casemiro, once a cornerstone of United’s midfield, no longer performing at the peak of his powers. It is becoming evident that the club might need to look beyond the Brazilian and consider Amrabat as a long-term solution in that crucial holding midfield role. While the Moroccan has showcased his ability to thrive under pressure, the future remains uncertain. Much could depend on how the new management views his role in the squad and whether they believe he can be a mainstay in United’s midfield for years to come.
What adds another layer of complexity to Amrabat’s situation is the growing interest from other Premier League clubs. Reports suggest that Fulham and Crystal Palace have been keeping a close eye on his recent performances, with scouts attending United matches to evaluate his progress. Should Manchester United hesitate in making his move permanent, it’s highly likely that these clubs will swoop in, offering Amrabat the chance to continue playing in the Premier League.
Paul Scholes’ glowing praise for Amrabat reflects not only the midfielder’s superb individual performance in the FA Cup final but also his potential to become a key figure for Manchester United moving forward. Amrabat’s calmness on the ball, coupled with his defensive work rate and passing accuracy, has proven to be invaluable, especially in high-pressure situations like the final. Scholes’ comparison of Amrabat to a “prime Gattuso” underscores just how influential he can be for the team in the future.
With Manchester United now facing a crucial decision on whether to make his loan move permanent, it’s clear that Amrabat’s performances have done much to stake his claim for a longer stay at Old Trafford. As the season progresses, the debate over whether to retain him or look for alternatives will intensify, but one thing is certain: Sofyan Amrabat has already etched his name into the hearts of United fans and earned the respect of club legends like Scholes.