Manchester United ready to replace star they only signed in the summer: report

Erik ten Hag ahead of Manchester United's Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United are already looking to replace a player they signed in the summer of 2023, after being left unimpressed with performances this season.

Since arriving at the club on loan, Sofyan Amrabat has played 17 games in all competitions, but has struggled for consistency and has since been ousted in the starting team by Kobbie Mainoo. 

The Red Devils do have an option to buy Amrabat at the end of his loan spell in the summer, but it seems the Moroccan hasn't impressed enough for that option to be taken up. Instead, Erik ten Hag's side have identified a replacement for Amrabat to sit at the base of his midfield, ensuring the 27-year-old returns to Fiorentina. 

Sofyan Amrabat of Manchester United on the ball during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern Munchen at Old Trafford on December 12, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Amrabat has failed to impress at United (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to Fichajes, Manchester United are looking to sign Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana in the summer, after impressing in Ligue 1 this term.

Reportedly available for around £26m, Fofana is both a technical and physical player expected to settle in well in the Premier League. Capable playing as both a defensive and box-to-box midfielder, the Frenchman would add some much-needed quality to the United squad, too, after a tumultuous 2023/24. 

While a January move is unlikely, as Manchester United look to contend with FFP rules, plans are already being put in place to secure Fofana's signing ahead of the summer window. Still only 25, Fofana represents good value to Manchester United considering he has 18 months remaining on his current deal. 

Manchester United target Youssouf Fofana of AS Monaco during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between AS Monaco and Stade Brestois 29 at Stade Louis II on November 05, 2023 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

Fofana captains Monaco and has performed well this term (Image credit: Getty Images)

Plus, reports suggests that Fofana would welcome a move from United, viewing the club as an attractive proposition - regardless and even despite their recent woes.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe having recently acquired a 25 per cent stake in the club, Fofana could also become one of the earliest signings of the new era at Old Trafford. 

Though Ratcliffe doesn't own the majority of Manchester United, he will reportedly take over football operations and look to stamp his own authority on the squad - starting with Fofana's arrival. 

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Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.