Despite Manchester United’s initial two-goal lead in Istanbul, crucial errors at the back led to a disappointing turn of events, resulting in a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray. The team missed a golden opportunity to secure all three points.
Andre Onana’s responsibility for all three goals on Wednesday puts added pressure on manager Erik ten Hag. United’s precarious chances of progression intensify, and while the manager isn’t directly accountable for the keeper’s errors, scrutiny on his transfer record is warranted.
Amrabat continues to struggle
The signings of Onana and Amrabat have proven ineffective. Amrabat, anticipated to fill Casemiro’s role, has fallen short, highlighting the team’s heavy dependence on the Brazilian from the previous season.
READ ALSO: Garnacho can be ‘something special’ says Bruno Fernandes
The 27-year-old’s absence when United attempted to play out from the back and his slow decision-making in turning harkened back to why the manager abandoned the idea of utilizing Scott McTominay in that position.
With just 27 touches in 58 minutes, his limited involvement on the ball was a concerning metric, indicating the game almost bypassed him. This starkly contrasts with Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive performance on Sunday.
Amrabat’s statistical record, featuring 0 crosses, 0 key passes, 0 shots, 0 long balls, and no dribbles, underscores his ineffectiveness. His tendency to drop too deep during counter-attacks further compounds the challenges faced by the team (stats from Sofascore).
Defensively, Amrabat’s performance saw him win only 50% of his duels with no interceptions or tackles. He did make three clearances but was rightfully substituted for the teenage sensation. In contrast, the United academy graduate, in his 32-minute cameo, showcased a 100% pass completion rate, won all his duels, and displayed a more comfortable presence on the ball.
Amrabat’s struggles raise doubts about Ten Hag’s loan decision, and it appears unlikely that United will opt for a permanent move next summer. Considering this, returning to Mainoo for the crucial Premier League match against Newcastle United seems a viable choice for Ten Hag.
