Man United icon urges deadline day signing Sofyan Amrabat to show 'common sense'

Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina checks his phone during a pre-season friendly against Grosseto in August 2023.
(Image credit: Getty)

Sofyan Amrabat must adapt his game fast if he is to succeed at Manchester United, says Rio Ferdinand.

Amrabat joined Man United on loan for the season on transfer deadline day, having been pursued by the 13-time Premier League champions throughout the summer.

Erik ten Hag's side desperately needed extra steel in the middle of the park, having been carved open with concerning ease during their first three games of the new season – but Ferdinand, while seemingly rating Amrabat, has some concerns about the Morocco international's disciplinary record.

Sofyan Amrabat of Morocco controls the ball during a match at the FIFA World Cup 2022

Amrabat's loan deal contains the option to make it permanent next summer (Image credit: Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

The 27-year-old – who helped his country make history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup – was booked 20 times across club and international levels last term, and Ferdinand has cautioned that he will need to get to grips with the speed of the Premier League quickly.

Appearing on his FIVE YouTube channel, the Red Devils legend said: "All players need to adapt and if he can do that quickly, I think he’ll be fine. The game is quicker than Serie A, definitely.

"He’s an international footballer who played well on the international scene, so hopefully he’s got the common sense and concentration to be able to make sure he’s right.

Why Amrabat will solve Man United's BIGGEST problem

Amrabat could make his Man United debut away to Arsenal on Sunday, and – as one would expect – he's itching to get going for his new club. 

Speaking about his move, the former Feyenoord and Club Brugge man said: "It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player. I’ve had to be patient for this moment, but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams.

"I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team."

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Tom Hancock

Tom Hancock started freelancing for FourFourTwo in April 2019 and has also written for the Premier League and Opta Analyst, among others. He supports Wycombe Wanderers and has a soft spot for Wealdstone. A self-confessed statto, he has been known to watch football with a spreadsheet (or several) open...