Sofyan Amrabat’s move to Manchester United has not worked out at all. Liverpool fans might breathe a sigh of relief that he supposedly turned the club down last summer.
As painful as was to be knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United last weekend, it did nothing to change the reality of where the two sides stand currently. It’s clear Liverpool remains in the superior position.
Reds fans have had to suffer through days of gloating from their bitterest rivals, not helped by the international break denying any chance to immediately get back on the horse. To make matters worse for Jürgen Klopp’s men, it was a defeat that was all of their own doing.
Had Liverpool simply done what it should have done in the second half and taken its chances when they arrived, the reaction would have been markedly different. Rather than talking up his side as potential world-beaters, Erik ten Hag likely would have been facing even more questions about his future — it tells you all you need to know that it hasn’t taken long for the narrative to switch back to that this week.
Chances are high that United will reach the final now after being drawn against Coventry in the semi-finals, but when you look at the bigger picture, there’s no doubt who will get the last laugh this season. The Red Devils’ superiority from last season didn’t last long at all.
And you only need to look at United’s bench during Sunday’s defeat to see exactly why. Liverpool fans might breathe a sigh of relief when they see one of the names on there.
Sofyan Amrabat’s loan to Old Trafford has not worked out at all. Lauded for his part in Morroco’s run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2022, the midfielder will go down as one of the many transfer flops at United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
It spoke volumes that he wasn’t called upon by Ten Hag at any point against Liverpool, with the Dutchman even turning to Christian Eriksen instead to replace Kobbie Mainoo. Ten Hag even replaced his two starting center-backs with a couple of attacking options rather than bring the 27-year-old on.
Liverpool fans likely won’t feel too much sympathy, given Amrabat’s reported snub last summer. According to Corriere della Sera in Italy, the midfielder turned down Liverpool’s advances back in July in favor of a move to United. How he must wish he could turn back time now.
The Reds certainly won’t be disappointed. Amrabat has done nothing at United to warrant any envious looks from Anfield, while Wataru Endō has flourished in the number six role.
United has the option to make Amrabat’s stay at Old Trafford permanent in the summer. We somehow doubt they will follow through on that, well and truly providing Liverpool with the last laugh.
