Former Manchester United goalkeeper, the legendary Peter Schmeichel, didn’t mince his words as he criticized midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the aftermath of Sunday’s disheartening 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford.
During the derby, City easily secured their third victory in the last four encounters with goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden. Haaland’s first-half penalty put City 1-0 ahead at halftime, and they added to their lead in the second half.
Responding to United’s 1-0 halftime deficit, United’s manager Erik ten Hag opted for an offensive midfield change, substituting Sofyan Amrabat, who was acquired on loan from Fiorentina on the transfer deadline day, and introducing Mason Mount.
It’s worth noting that Amrabat had received a yellow card in the first half, which may have influenced Ten Hag’s decision.
Throughout the match, City dominated possession and expertly passed the ball around. Unfortunately, Amrabat struggled to impose himself on the game, failing to provide the midfield control that United desperately needed.
Amrabat was positioned at the base of the midfield, tasked with delivering a defensive shield. However, City effortlessly controlled the tempo of the game, making precise passes without encountering resistance.
Schmeichel candidly expressed his belief that Amrabat was “so far off the pace” that it allowed City to dictate proceedings without much trouble. He noted, “I mean, he makes a change at half time, there’s a reason for that because it wasn’t working in midfield.
Amrabat was so far off the pace Man City basically could do whatever they wanted. And the chances, yes, we had chances but they all came from Manchester City mistakes, it wasn’t like we were creating anything.”