Man United turned to Amrabat after being priced out of move for Premier League star

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was left frustrated on Sunday as his side were beaten 3-1 by rivals Arsenal at The Emirates. 

The Red Devils took the lead against the run of play when Marcus Rashford latched on to a through ball and fired past Aaron Ramsdale, but the visitors’ lead lasted less than a minute before Martin Odegaard drew the Gunners level.

United thought they had retaken the lead when Alejandro Garnacho scored, but the strike was ruled out for offside by VAR.

Late goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus then put Arsenal ahead, ensuring that Mikel Arteta’s side picked up all three points.

New United striker Rasmus Hojlund made his debut for the club during the second half, but fellow new arrival Sofyan Amrabat will have to wait until after the international break to make his first appearance for his new side.

The Moroccan joined on loan from Fiorentina on deadline day, but it has now emerged that United only turned to the 27-year-old after missing out on a Premier League target.

Palhinha was heavily linked with a move away from Fulham throughout the summer transfer window

According to Football Insider, the Manchester outfit had initially hoped to sign Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, but were priced out of a move for the Portuguese.

The report claims that the 28-year-old was United’s ‘number one defensive midfield target’ for the summer window, but had to look elsewhere as they couldn’t meet the Cottagers’ £90 million asking price for the player.

Palhinha only joined Fulham last summer but was impressive throughout his debut season at Craven Cottage, and was subsequently linked with a move to some of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer.

German champions Bayern Munich appeared to be close to landing the former Sporting CP man, but the move collapsed late on and the Portugal international will therefore remain in West London until January at the earliest.

Palhinha featured 40 times across all competitions for Marco Silva’s side last term, whereas Amrabat made 49 appearances including Fiorentina’s Europa Conference League final defeat against West Ham United.