'He wanted to keep me' - Sofyan Amrabat hints at who blocked permanent Man United transfer

Former loanee Sofyan Amrabat has implied that technical director Jason Wilcox scuppered his hopes of returning to Manchester United on a permanent deal during the summer.

Amrabat, 28, spent last season on loan at Old Trafford from Fiorentina and racked up 30 appearances across all competitions. He impressed towards the end of the campaign, producing an excellent performance in the FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

In the immediate aftermath of the 2-1 triumph over Pep Guardiola's side, Amrabat expressed his desire to join United on a permanent basis. As reported by the Manchester Evening News in July, Amrabat refused to train with his Fiorentina teammates in a bid to try and force through a return to M16.

READ MORE: I went on strike to force a move to United - now I'm ready to prove they were wrong about me

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag responds to Jose Mourinho comments on United

United mulled over the prospect of re-signing the Moroccan international but a deal failed to come to fruition. He joined Fenerbahce on loan in August and could feature in tonight's Europa League tie against United.

Ahead of this evening's game in Istanbul, Amrabat has revealed Erik ten Hag was keen to bring him back to Old Trafford, suggesting Wilcox overruled the United manager.

"I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht," Amrabat told the Mail. "He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose."

Asked why he did not seal a permanent switch to Old Trafford in the summer, Amrabat added: "The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr Wilcox."

United had the chance to sign Amrabat permanently at the end of his loan spell, but it looked