How Watford flop convinced World Cup hero to sign for Man Utd on transfer deadline day
SOFYAN AMRABAT wants to repay Erik ten Hag for giving him his big break in Holland by bringing titles to Manchester United.
The Morocco international made the breakthrough at Utrecht when he worked under the current Old Trafford boss.
Midfielder Amrabat, 27, will spend the season on loan with the Red Devils after a deal was struck with his parent club Fiorentina on deadline day.
He said: “The manager was very important, I was very young, 18 or 19. He gave me the chance to play in the first team. I learned a lot from him.
“It’s fantastic to be back with him, he’s a coach who pushes to the limit. He’s hungry, a winner and I like that.
“I’m similar, I want to learn every day and I think we are a good match. Off the pitch I’m relaxed but on the pitch I’m a winner.”
Amrabat revealed he spoke with his brother, former Watford man Nordin, about life in England before making the move.
He said: “He told me to come here, the strongest league in the world.”
Meanwhile, the man whose No 4 shirt Amrabat took, Phil Jones, is back at United’s training ground Carrington.
Jones, 31, has been at academy training sessions as he weighs up his next move but will not be returning to Old Trafford.
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The former Red Devil made 229 appearances for the club, but spent the last few years struggling with injuries.
During his time at United he played a part in the club’s 2013 Premier League title winning campaign and also picked up an FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League and two Community Shields.
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