Amrabat of Fiorentina had been touted as a signing for the Red Devils all summer.
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But as of a week ago they were not interested in the deal.
Fast forward to today and they are battling to get a loan over the line for the £30 million rated Moroccan international midfielder.
No doubt Mason Mount’s injury has played a part in that scenario.
Fiorentina will do the loan to help United get around FFP regulations as long as the Red Devils confirm they will make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
They are also still fighting to get a left-back on loan with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia injured.
Talks are ongoing to get one of Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella or Tottenham’s Sergio Reguilon.
Chelsea are demanding a £7million loan fee for Cucurella who turned out for Mauricio Pochettino against Wimbledon on Wednesday night.
The defensive problems do not end there with Raphael Varane sidelined for at least a month.
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That has led to the club clinging on to Harry Maguire who is wanted by West Ham.
In any case they were struggling to get that £30million outgoing done with their former captain holding out for a £15million pay off.
There was also news this week that new goalkeeper Andre Onana could be missing for up to a month in the New Year.
The Cameroon international has gone back on his decision to retire from international football meaning he will be required for the African Cup of Nations.
There are problems up front that the club are hoping new striker Rasmus Hojlund can solve starting this weekend.
He is expected to be on the bench after what was described as a slight injury picked up in pre-season with his former club Atalanta having stopped him from training with his new teammates until this week.
They definitely need someone upfront with all four of their goals in the opening three games coming from midfield with one headed in by Raphael Varane.
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All this and the team have not started the new season well.
They were very fortunate to beat Wolves in their opening game.
The Red Devils then lost to Tottenham as they faded after a bright start.
Last weekend they were 2-0 down in the opening four minutes to a Nottingham Forest side who won only one game away from home in the whole of last season.
The comeback to win 3-2 at least showed the team has spirit but that will only take them so far.
The visit to The Emirates could have United fans watching proceedings through their fingers.