SOFYAN AMRABAT arrived at Manchester United with a recurring back injury which had hampered his World Cup.
The midfielder joined Old Trafford from Fiorentina on a deadline-day loan deal.
But according to The Athletic, United detected a minor back injury in Amrabat’s medical.
The Moroccan had revealed he received pain-killing injections just to play in the round of 16 against Spain.
Following a knock to Mason Mount which sidelined the summer signing, United were forced into the market for a new midfielder.
But talks to sign Amrabat were not plane sailing.
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It is claimed Fiorentina wanted a total package worth near £30million — an £8.5m loan fee, £17.1m after 15 appearances plus £4.2m in add-ons.
United only offered £2.5m for the loan, which was rejected and left the Serie A club short of patience.
The club’s director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves was left to resurrect the deal after being told it was off.
Amrabat, 27, was hellbent on a move to Manchester and even switched to the same agency as manager Erik ten Hag to get it done.
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Eventually, the two clubs agreed on an £8.5m loan fee with the option to make the move permanent for £17.1m.
Amrabat has not played all season, not because of injury but as Fiorentina wanted the player to make a decision on his future.
But it remains to be seen how his back problem will effect the start of his season.
Rasmus Hojlund came off the bench in United’s 3-1 loss at Arsenal over the weekend having also joined with a back injury.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
