Sofyan Amrabat spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Manchester United, starting the FA Cup final when Erik ten Hag's team beat Manchester City at Wembley Stadium
Sofyan Amrabat celebrates after Manchester United win the FA Cup
Sofyan Amrabat's last match for Manchester United was the FA Cup final win over Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
Sofyan Amrabat is receiving support from former Manchester United teammates after being unveiled as a Real Betis player.
Fenerbahce loaned out the Morocco international on transfer deadline day in Spain, hours after Antony re-joined the same club permanently. The pair played together 18 times at United when Amrabat spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Old Trafford.
The player returned to Fiorentina when that campaign concluded, despite then-manager Erik ten Hag wanting to sign him permanently. When Amrabat joined United in 2023, Ten Hag made his feelings known on how highly he rated the midfielder by saying: “He is very dynamic, he’s very good in the duels. So we are pleased that we have him at United and I think he will contribute to our high targets we set.”
Fenerbahce instead signed him on loan last season with an obligation to buy for around £10million, with Amrabat making 39 appearances during that temporary spell.
However, despite that transfer becoming permanent on 1 July, another move materialised two months later. Due to the September international break, in which Amrabat won his 67th and 68th caps for the Atlas Lions, the player's unveiling only happened on Monday.
"Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome," Amrabat posted on Instagram afterwards. "It's an honour to be part of Real Betis. Ready to fight for this badge."
Several former United teammates, including current players Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Zirkzee, liked the post. Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek have also done so.
Amrabat also hinted at having spoken to Antony during the unveiling. "I'm happy to be here; everyone has been telling me fantastic things about the atmosphere at this club," he said.
They, like United, have won just one of their first five matches so far this season, albeit also only losing once due to drawing the other three. The latest stalemate came on Sunday as they twice came from behind to take a point from their trip to play Levante.
Antony played the full 90 minutes, but it was one-time Watford forward Cucho Hernandez and the former West Ham United player Pablo Fornals who scored their goals.
Here at The Manchester Evening News, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest United news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis, then make sure to check out our Manchester is Red podcast, featuring The Samuel Luckhurst Show and The Midweek Debate. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.