Paul Scholes, one of Manchester United’s iconic midfielders, didn’t hold back in his praise for Sofyan Amrabat after the FA Cup final. His words hit hard, likening the Moroccan’s tenacity to that of the legendary Gennaro Gattuso—a comparison not thrown around lightly. It was a throwback performance, gutsy and grounded, the kind of old-school grit United’s midfield has been crying out for. In a season marked by inconsistencies, Amrabat delivered when it mattered most, reminding fans that raw determination still has a place in modern football.
Amrabat was trusted with the number six role against Manchester City, a bold call by Ten Hag considering Casemiro’s presence—even if slightly injured. And it paid off. He didn’t just play the role; he owned it. With 37 touches, a 93% pass completion rate, and a handful of well-timed defensive actions, he was a key figure in United’s surprise 2-1 triumph. This wasn’t just a decent showing—it was a message. While others might have been distracted by the lights and noise, Amrabat stayed dialed in.
More than stats, it was the spirit of his play that caught attention. He didn’t shrink from duels, didn’t panic under pressure, and made intelligent choices with the ball. Only losing possession three times in a match of such intensity is impressive. For a player often overshadowed in the squad, this was a loud declaration that he can hang with the big names on the biggest stage. Scholes’s social media comparison to a peak Gattuso was both a compliment and a challenge.
This performance didn’t just appear from nowhere. Amrabat’s journey at United has been winding. Brought in on loan from Fiorentina with a hefty €10 million fee, he was initially out of position and out of rhythm, played at left-back in a makeshift role. It wasn’t until injuries and form issues in midfield forced a reshuffle that he got the chance to show his true value in the heart of the pitch. The patience, both his and the fans’, might finally be paying off.
His recent showings against Arsenal and Newcastle were solid warm-ups for the final, where he truly exploded. It’s poetic, really. A player seen as a fringe option throughout the season ends up being one of the reasons United lift silverware. Football has a funny way of flipping the script, and Amrabat’s final performance just flipped his story from placeholder to potential mainstay.
Now, a question hangs in the air like smoke after fireworks: do United keep him? The option to buy is set at €20 million, a fair price in today’s bloated market. With Casemiro visibly past his prime and sucking up a huge salary, some tough calls have to be made. If the club wants to rebuild wisely, investing in Amrabat might be the smarter bet. But it all depends on who’s calling the shots this summer—Dan Ashworth’s arrival and Ten Hag’s status will shape the midfield’s future.
If United don’t pull the trigger, Amrabat won’t be without suitors. Crystal Palace and Fulham have reportedly sent scouts, and you can bet they liked what they saw. He’s proven he can shine in high-stakes English football, and that makes him a tempting prospect. The Premier League might still be his playground next season, whether he wears red or another shade.
At the end of the day, Amrabat did what all underdogs dream of—he seized his moment. With his blend of composure, work rate, and tactical discipline, he’s earned respect from legends, fans, and critics alike. Whether United chooses to keep him or let him walk, one thing’s for sure: the name Sofyan Amrabat won’t be slipping quietly out of the headlines any time soon. Want the numbers to back it all up? I’ve got comparisons ready.
Leave a Reply