'I’ve had to be patient' - Sofyan Amrabat sends message to Man Utd fans as loan move confirmed

Sofyan Amrabat has completed his loan move to Manchester United from Fiorentina.

The midfielder joins the Red Devils until the end of the season for a fee of €10m (£8.85m). There is an option for United to make the deal permanent next summer, which would cost €20m (£17.2m) and a further €5m (£4.29m) in add-ons.

It's a move that could have been agreed months ago, and Amrabat rejected offers from elsewhere in the last few weeks, something he hinted at after joining the club.

“It is a huge honour to become a Manchester United player," said the Moroccan after the deal was announced. "I’ve had to be patient for this moment but I’m someone who always listens to my heart and now I am representing the club of my dreams. I am a passionate player; I want to bring that energy to the squad, and I will put everything into every action I take for the team.

“I know exactly how Erik ten Hag likes to work and what he needs from his players. His coaching and guidance developed me so much as a player earlier in my career; I know that he will help to bring out the best of my abilities so that I can help the group to be successful this season.”

Ten Hag, who worked with Amrabat previously at Utrecht, always wanted another option in midfield, but the Red Devils' financial situation prevented a deal from being concluded earlier in the window. Amrabat's arrival adds to Ten Hag's midfield options, which now include Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Hannibal and Bruno Fernandes. Donny van de Beek could still complete a deadline-day move away from Old Trafford.

Due to visa issues, Amrabat will not be an option for United at Arsenal on Sunday, meaning his debut for the club will have to come after the international break.

The 27-year-old is the fourth United arrival on the final day of the market, along with Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon and Jonny Evans, although the latter signed a contract extension having previously joined earlier this summer on a short-term deal.