Manchester United are reportedly considering adding free-agent Adrien Rabiot to their squad, according to a report from Le Figaro. Despite already securing Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, United continues to explore options to bolster their midfield.
Ugarte, a promising Uruguayan midfielder, is expected to make his debut for United after the international break and is anticipated to be the club’s first choice in the defensive midfield role. Meanwhile, Rabiot, who recently left Juventus, has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Newcastle United and Barcelona.
However, Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles have made it difficult for them to meet Rabiot’s financial demands, which could give Manchester United an edge in negotiations. Despite this potential advantage, there are several obstacles that United would need to overcome to secure Rabiot’s signature.
One significant issue is the involvement of Rabiot’s mother, who also serves as his agent. She is reportedly demanding a weekly salary of over £162,000 for her son, a figure higher than what Rabiot earned at Juventus (£147,000 per week). While Rabiot’s availability as a free agent might make him an attractive option, United are hesitant to make a formal offer due to several concerns.
Rabiot’s age is one factor that gives United pause; at 29 years old, he will turn 30 next April, raising concerns about his long-term effectiveness. Additionally, United are wary of the significant financial commitment that would be required, including not only his high salary but also a substantial signing-on fee, which is common for high-profile free agents.
Furthermore, Rabiot’s playing style reportedly doesn’t align with the tactical vision of United’s manager, Erik ten Hag. Although Rabiot’s performance last season in Serie A was solid, it wasn’t exceptional. He averaged 1.9 tackles and 5.7 duels won per game, but his passing stats were less impressive, with only 31 completed passes per game at an 83% accuracy rate, and he averaged just one long ball per match.
Manchester United, under their new management and INEOS ownership, has emphasized signing younger players with potential resale value. Their summer signings, including 26-year-old Noussair Mazraoui, reflect this strategy. Given this focus on long-term investments, it seems unlikely that United will pursue Rabiot, who does not fit their current recruitment policy.
While Rabiot’s name may continue to be linked with Manchester United, the club’s priorities suggest they are likely to focus on other midfield targets that align better with their long-term vision.
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