Put Sofyan Amrabat into Google and chances are you won't have to look too far to see his tackle on Kylian Mbappe in the World Cup.
Amrabat and Morocco had surprised everyone by reaching the semi-finals and setting up a date with the holders. Trailing 1-0, Mbappe skipped away down the left and looked set to race clear into the area. Enter Amrabat, stretching his long limbs he somehow managed to track the PSG forward and produce a lunging tackle that recovered possession.
The midfielder then jumped up and strolled off with the ball. It was an incredible piece of defending, displaying pace, skill and no little heart and desire. Ultimately Mbappe and France made it to the final but Amrabat and Morocco won plenty of plaudits from their run in Qatar.
They dumped out Belgium in the group stage, Spain in the last 16 and Portugal in the quarter-finals, reducing Cristiano Ronaldo to tears. At the heart of the side was Amrabat.
Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here
ALSO READ: What Amrabat has said about possible transfer as United 'agree personal terms'
The Fiorentina man ran further than any other player in the tournament (59.3km) and led ball recoveries too (41). He was able to thwart opponents from midfield and can drop into defence. An athlete as well as a footballer, with a past playing for Erik ten Hag in the Netherlands, it's easy to see why the links with a transfer to Manchester United look more than gossip.
He would a steeliness and determination to the United engine room, even if other areas of the squad possess more glaring gaps. The Reds have already added Mason Mount to bolster the midfield and the need for a striker and a goalkeeper is obvious. Yet Amrabat, with a year to run on his deal in Florence, represents a player for the here and now and the future.
“I’m 26 and people say these are the best years of a footballer’s career,” he said earlier this year. “I feel good. I have a lot of experience now. I’ve played in a lot of big games."
United's midfield is in need of a succession plan and a potential £25million move for the former FC Utrecht man would represent some clear transfer business, even if question marks over what remains to add elsewhere would legitimately be posed.
Amrabat is a willing listener, a humble person and a talented player. “I can never say no to anybody," he said of his personality. "For a simple picture, two minutes of your time, you can make someone very happy. They give you a lot of love, so you need to give it back.”
His interviews post-World Cup have spoken about his Mbappe tackle with modesty and almost a reluctance. He is a player who performs the sort of important role in a team that goes unnoticed until it's noticed. The recovery challenge pushed him into the minds of many and the transfer links ratcheted up a notch. Barcelona were long-term favourites, Atletico Madrid had an interest while Liverpool were among the Premier League sides credited with scouting him.
You don't garner that attention without having the capabilities to back it up. Any player who can reel in Mbappe has plenty to offer.
Follow the MEN's United coverage on TikTok and YouTube, and subscribe to the Manchester is Red podcast
