Ex-Man Utd star turned opponent ‘hopes they lose’ and makes Ten Hag admission

Former Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amarabat has spoken about his summer exit from Old Trafford as he prepares to line up against them.

The Moroccan international spent last season on loan at the Red Devils making 30 appearances across all competitions. His best came in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, but several injuries during his spell at the club saw them decide against pursuing a permanent move.

Amrabat returned to his parent club Fiorentina but refused to train with the first team hoping to force a move back to England. However, it never materialised and he was instead sent on loan to Turkish giants Fenerbache – United’s opponents in the Europa League tonight (October 24).

The 28-year-old has since opened up about his time in the Premier League and admitted that boss Erik ten Hag wanted to keep him.

“I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht,” he told the Daily Mail. “He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose.”

Amrabat then revealed that it was technical director Jason Wilcox who ultimately made the decision, saying: “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox,” when further pressed on the reason he left.

Wilcox joined United in the summer as part of a footballing restructure started by new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.. He’s said to be responsible for footballing performance and recruitment at first-team level and didn’t think Amrabat was the right person to revolutionise the club’s midfield.

The Red Devils are currently suffering an injury crisis with only three midfielders making the trip to Istanbul. Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo are in the treatment room and Bruno Fernandes is suspended.

It’ll be somewhat of a reunion tonight for United with former manager Jose Mourinho in the home dugout and Brazilian midfielder Fred another former player who could also feature.