Sofyan Amrabat described the start to his time at Manchester United as ‘difficult’ after the 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday.
Amrabat joined United on a season-long loan from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day in the summer window after a late deal was agreed to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s options in midfield.
United paid a €10million loan fee to Fiorentina for Amrabat and they have the option to make the deal permanent for €20million, plus a further €5million in add-ons.
The 27-year-old has been in and out of the starting team since arriving in Manchester, but he started against Chelsea on Wednesday night and he delivered one of his best displays in a red shirt.
Amrabat spoke to MUTV after the win and he opened up on his difficult start to his time at the club, although he insisted he didn’t want to make excuses for his indifferent first few months.
“Everyone was disappointed after we lost [against Newcastle], but I think that was the best answer we could give,” Amrabat said.
“I’m happy because we won the game, which is the most important, and I tried to help the team. It’s normal my start was a bit difficult. I don’t like to give excuses, but I didn’t have a pre-season, so that’s difficult for every player I think.
“I started with an injury and normally you need some time to adapt, but there was no time, the team needed me, so I had to jump in immediately and I’m a fighter, I will never say no when the manager needs me.
“The Premier League is the strongest league in the world, but I’m happy, step by step, every day, I’m stronger and better. So I’m happy we won the game and I played quite good, but there’s still a lot of things to do better and I have more to offer.
“We have amazing fans and they deserve the best. We are Manchester United and you need to win every game, so we’ll work very hard to make them happy.
“We have to kill the games earlier and we had so many chances, but we defended very well so it was good. The fans pushed us from the first second to the last second and I think this is the way they want us to play, with high intensity, high pressing, energy and I think that’s United. Hopefully, we can continue like this.”
Amrabat was also asked about McTominay and he joked he should become a striker: “I think he has to change job to striker. No, we have a fantastic striker with Rasmus and Anthony Martial. But yeah, it’s clear Scott is very important and he’s scored two goals, so it’s fantastic.”
