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Sources: Man United only signed Amrabat after being priced out of Fulham deal
Man United were very keen to land Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the 28-year-old was the “number one defensive midfield target” for the Red Devils.
However, the Old Trafford club were eventually forced to turn their full attention to a move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.
It is believed Man United did not have the budget to pursue a move for Palhinha, with Fulham setting his asking price at £90million following Declan Rice’s big-money move to Arsenal earlier in the window.
Amrabat’s arrival was confirmed on deadline day last week (1 September), with the Morocco international joining on a loan basis.
According to Sky Sports (2 September), Man United will pay an £8.5million loan fee for the 27-year-old and have the option to make the transfer permanent for £21.4million.
Meanwhile, Palhinha saw a move to German giants Bayern Munich fall through at the eleventh hour – meaning he will remain a Fulham player until January at least.
The Portugal international has featured for Fulham this season but missed their loss against Man City on Saturday (2 September) following the collapse.
Ex-Sporting CP star Palhinha played 40 games across all competitions as Marco Silva’s side secured a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.
Amrabat, who starred for Morocco at the World Cup in Qatar last year (2022), made 49 appearances across all competitions for Europa Conference League finalists Fiorentina last season.
Man United’s midfield has been highlighted by fans and pundits alike as a cause for concern after their opening four games of the season.
Erik ten Hag’s side have picked up six points from a possible 12 and face Brighton after the international break (16 September).
In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals the real reason Man United signed Amrabat on loan.