'Certainly an option': 'World-class' star open to permanent transfer to Man Utd

Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has opened the door to staying with Manchester United beyond the current campaign.

The 27-year-old joined the Red Devils from Fiorentina on loan for €10 million last summer with an option to buy for €20m plus €5m in add-ons.

Amrabat barely featured for the club between January and April this year, but he was a regular starter during the final weeks of the season.

After three consecutive starts, the midfielder was rewarded with a starting role in the FA Cup final where he was one of the stand-out performers.

Speaking after the game to Ziggo Sport, Amrabat said that he does not know where he will be next season but opened the door to staying at United.

He said: “Do I already know what I’m going to do next year? No. We are going to talk. Staying is certainly an option. Look, I think it has been a very difficult season.”

“For Manchester United it needs to be much better, and also for me personally. We are going to talk. Manchester United are the biggest club in the world, so who wouldn’t want to play football here?

“But all parties have to be happy with each other, so we will sit down now and see what happens.”

Amrabat started the season as a regular from the left-back position due to the injury crisis. He then moved into defensive midfield, but struggled to cope with the league’s intensity.

With Casemiro’s comeback from injury, Amrabat barely played after his return from the Africa Cup of Nations, but he finally got his chance to impress in the lead-up to the FA Cup final.

Amrabat had two good outings against Arsenal and Newcastle United before a tough one at Brighton & Hove Albion. Despite this, he got the nod for the Manchester derby on Saturday.

With speculation of Casemiro possibly heading for the exit door, we won’t be surprised if United decide to activate the buy clause. They could also consider negotiating a lesser price.

Amrabat, who was described as a ‘world-class‘ player by Morocco manager Walid Regragui, is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace and Fulham, according to The Sun.

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