Manchester United have locked in a top target! 💥 Despite interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, the Red Devils are leading the race to sign free agent Adrien Rabiot. 🔴✨ With their powerful midfield, United is ready to dominate once again! 💪
Manchester United are reportedly considering bolstering their midfield by signing free-agent Adrien Rabiot, as reported by Le Figaro. Despite recently acquiring Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, the Red Devils remain keen on further enhancing their midfield depth.
Ugarte, a promising Uruguayan talent, is expected to make his debut for United after the international break, and he is anticipated to secure the starting role in defensive midfield. However, United’s interest in Rabiot persists as they seek to bring more experience and quality into their squad.
Rabiot, who previously played for Juventus, has also caught the attention of several top European clubs, including Newcastle United and Barcelona. However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges have prevented them from meeting Rabiot’s salary demands, potentially giving United a competitive edge in negotiations. Nevertheless, there are significant hurdles to clear.
A key issue in any potential deal is the involvement of Rabiot’s mother, who acts as his agent. She is reportedly seeking a salary of over £162,000 per week for her son, a figure that surpasses the £147,000 per week Rabiot earned at Juventus.
While the prospect of signing Rabiot as a free agent may seem appealing, United are hesitant to make a formal offer. Their reluctance is influenced by several factors, including Rabiot’s age and wage demands. At 29 years old, Rabiot will turn 30 next April, raising concerns that he may be past his peak within a short period.
In addition to his high wage demands, Rabiot is likely to seek a substantial signing-on bonus, a common expectation for high-profile free agents. Moreover, reports suggest that his playing style does not align with United’s manager’s vision, further complicating his potential move to Old Trafford.
Statistically, Rabiot’s performance last season was solid but not extraordinary. In Serie A, he averaged 1.9 tackles and won 5.7 duels per game. However, his passing statistics were less impressive, with only 31 completed passes per match at an accuracy rate of 83%, and an average of just one long ball per game.
Under their new management and INEOS ownership, Manchester United have prioritized signing players with potential resale value. This summer, their oldest acquisition was 26-year-old Noussair Mazraoui, highlighting the club’s focus on younger, more long-term investments. Given this strategy, it seems unlikely that United will pursue Rabiot, who does not fit their current approach.
Although Rabiot’s name may continue to be linked with United, it appears that the club’s leadership is prioritizing other targets and may be exploring different avenues to strengthen their midfield.
