Sofyan Amrabat opens up on Manchester United talks - and how Erik ten Hag pushed for return

Fenerbahce midfielder Sofyan Amrabat
Fenerbahce midfielder Sofyan Amrabat (Image credit: Getty Images)

Former Manchester United star Sofyan Amrabat has detailed summer conversations he held with Erik ten Hag over returning to the club.

Amrabat, 28, spent the second half of the 2023/24 season on loan at Old Trafford and helped the Red Devils to win the FA Cup final. Talks of a return had been murmured earlier this summer but instead the Morroco international chose to join Fenerbahce.

Having faced his former side in the UEFA Europa League earlier this week, Amrabat was finally given a proper chance to say goodbye but also detailed why another move to Manchester United never quite materialised.

Erik ten Hag wanted Sofyan Amrabat at Manchester United – but Jason Wilcox prevented the move

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to news from MailSport, Amrabat is said to have eyed a return to Manchester this summer, with Ten Hag firmly behind the decision of agreeing either a new loan deal or a permanent transfer.

Instead, techincal director Jason Wilcox is said to have stood in the way of the move, with Amrabat in the end loaned out to Fenerbahce from Fiorentina for the 2024/25 season.

Southampton's current Director of Football Jason Wilcox is being tipped for a move to Manchester United.

Manchester United's technical director Jason Wilcox (Image credit: Getty Images)

"He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday," said Amrabat in an exclusive interview with MailSport.

"I hope they lose. The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox."

Amrabat revealed that four Premier League clubs were interested in him before he decided on Fenerbahce, with the Morroco star playing the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw in Istanbul on Thursday.

"Fenerbahce gave me the feeling that they really wanted me. I felt the love and it was difficult to say no. I chose with my heart."

VIDEO The GENIUS Way Man United Just Beat Man City For The FA Cup

In FourFourTwo's view, it was clear Amrabat didn't enjoy a star-studded spell at Old Trafford, but his best performance did come in the 2-1 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

Manuel Ugarte soon arrived as a direct replacement for him and Scott McTominay, but you get the feeling Manchester United probably made the right call with their decision.

The Red Devils are back in Premier League action on Sunday, as they take on West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Matthew Holt

Matthew is a Freelance Journalist and has racked up bylines for Manchester United, Manchester Evening News, GOAL and SPORTbible to name a few. A long-term sufferer of Scunthorpe United, he currently resides in the north-west after escaping the smog of North Lincolnshire.

Read more
Manchester United parted ways with Dutchman Erik ten Hag back in October 2024
Ex Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag drops shock management retirement claim
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is desperate to improve the left-hand side of his team
Manchester United 'agree' shock exit - to happen this month: report
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim looks on following his side's defeat against AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United still to announce one more move of January transfer window: report
Ruben Amorim has plenty to consider before the transfer deadline closes
Manchester United defender could follow Antony on transfer excursion to Real Betis: report
Ruben Amorim is desperate to raise funds for new players
Manchester United midfielder currently out of favour now wanted by Serie A giants: report
Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United looking at dramatic deal for Brazilian star: report
Latest in Stories
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger
Latest in News
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool set for major PSR hit ahead of the summer: report
The current logo used for the Premier League
Surprise sponsor 'in talks' with the Premier League over multi-million pound deal: report
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho could still leave the club this month
'Alejandro Garnacho has let his family down. He might be immature but he is not young anymore, it's a massive disappointment that he is not performing - he just seems like a Ronaldo fanboy' Ex Manchester United star launches astonishing rant at winger