SOFYAN AMRABAT was slammed as a “fish out of water” following Manchester United’s defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Moroccan signed for the Red Devils on loan on transfer deadline day.
Erik ten Hag’s tactical gamble of playing Sofyan Amrabat at left-back did not workCredit: EPA
Amrabat was singled out for criticism in his makeshift left-back roleCredit: Getty
Man Utd were left frustrated against Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
He enjoyed his full debut at left-back for Man Utd in the midweek League Cup clash against Crystal Palace which United won 3-0.
However, the tale went differently when United hosted the Eagles today in the Premier League.
Joachim Andersen’s first-half strike proved to be the difference as United were frustrated in a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory for Roy Hodgson’s side.
Speaking on BBC 5 Live, former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton singled out Amrabat for a poor piece of play in the second half.
He said: “Given away a free kick, being driven back towards his own goal by (Jordan) Ayew and he palms it, a keeper would be proud of that.
“He’s not looked comfortable in that left back position today, like a fish out of water.”
Fans online were in agreement with this verdict, with one saying: “I know we’re short of LB’s as well but surely Lindelof at RB and Dalot at LB is a better option than sticking Amrabat there?
A second commented: “We can’t keep using Amrabat as a LB.”
A third wrote: “It’s actually better to play Dalot as LB and Lindelof as RB. Wasting Amrabat there is worse.”
Amrabat has been shoehorned into the role amid an injury crisis which has left United with just one full-back.
Natural left-backs Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon are all sidelined, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s injury has also left United with only Diogo Dalot for available right-backs.
Lisandro Martinez added to Ten Hag’s injury woes after it was revealed he may need further surgery on a fractured metatarsal.
Martinez would be capable of plugging the hole at left-back, but his injury has forced Amrabat to play in the role.
United, who have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, face Brentford in their next Prem game.
Before that they face Galatasaray in a must-win Champions League group stage fixture.
Soucre: thesun
