'World-class' star now 'confidently waiting' for Manchester United to sign him - report

Manchester United are searching for a new defensive midfielder and they are currently evaluating their options on the table.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte seems the priority target for the club, but Corriere dello Sport (page 16) claim that Sofyan Amrabat is waiting for a reunion.

The Fiorentina midfielder spent the recent campaign on loan with the Red Devils, but the club decided against triggering the £17 million option to purchase him.

Amrabat is ‘confidently waiting’ for United to make a fresh move but as things stand, there is no indication that they will revive their interest in his services.

Fiorentina manager Jose Mourinho insists on signing Amrabat after an opening £8.4m bid, but the Moroccan hopes the doors to the Premier League will reopen soon.

United unlikely to return for Amrabat amid Ugarte interest

Amrabat, who has been described as ‘world-class‘ by Morocco manager Walid Regragui, joined the Red Devils with plenty of hype last summer. He failed to meet expectations.

The 27-year-old struggled to cope with the higher intensity of the Premier League. He had a good final month of the season, but that may not be enough to convince the hierarchy.

United manager Erik ten Hag has a strong relationship with Amrabat from their time at Utrecht, but the board are unlikely to sign two defensive midfielders during the same window.

Ugarte is the number one priority for United and it was recently reported that he could be available on loan with a high buy option with PSG agreeing to sign Joao Neves from Benfica.

The Red Devils paid a huge loan fee of £8.4m to land Amrabat last summer. They could pursue Ugarte’s services in a similar deal. He is much better defensively than the Fiorentina ace.

It appears a no-brainer to recruit Ugarte on a season-long loan ahead of Amrabat. The Moroccan ace could still move to the Premier League with another club this summer.