Man Utd legend warns Amrabat over Prem ‘adapting’ fears after transfer from ‘slower’ Serie A
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has told Sofyan Amrabat that he has to adapt quickly to the Premier League after completing a deadline day move to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils finally got the signing of Amrabat over the line on Friday after Fiorentina agreed to loan him to the Premier League club.
Erik ten Hag’s side will reportedly pay a €10million (£8.5million) loan fee after the Serie A outfit initially insisted on a permanent transfer.
There is a buy option – believed to be worth €20m plus €5m in add-ons (total £21.4m) – included in the agreement with the Florence club.
Amrabat scored once and provided a single assist in 107 appearances for Fiorentina and has also enjoyed spells with Hellas Verona, Utrecht, Feyenoord and Club Brugge.
It was with Utrecht that Ten Hag met the Moroccan midfielder, meaning the Dutch manager has signed another of his former players after completing deals for Lisandro Martinez and Antony last summer.
Making the move from Italy to England is not easy and former United defender Ferdinand thinks it is important Amrabat “quickly” adapts to playing in the Premier League.
“All players need to adapt and if he can do that quickly I think he’ll be fine,” Ferdinand said on his FIVE podcast. “The game is quicker than Serie A, definitely.
“He’s an international footballer who played well on the international scene so hopefully he’s got the common sense and concentration to be able to make sure he’s right.
“I think someone like Casemiro with his experience of last year missing a few games because of his ill-discipline here and there and maybe naivety towards the league he might be able to give him a point in the right direction.”
After completing his loan move to United, Amrabat vowed to bring his “passionate” style of play to Old Trafford.
“It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player,” the 27-year-old said.
“I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams.
“I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.
“I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career.
“I know that he will help to bring out the best of my abilities so that I can help the group to be successful this season.”
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