Having enjoyed two starts from the opening two fixtures of Euro 2024, Adrien Rabiot continues to impress with his displays for Les Bleus.
It has become a perennial talking point about the possibility of the player joining Manchester United, with a regular debate about his suitability for the side.
Ahead of an uncertain transfer window where the midfielder’s contract is due to expire at Juventus, Tuttosport claims the 29-year-old has not pressed the matter regarding a new deal and is waiting for Erik ten Hag‘s side to approach him for a move to England.
While the Frenchman’s name has become somewhat of a stigma amongst the Old Trafford faithful, his signing could prove a remarkably shrewd deal.
Why this move makes sense
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is attempting to remodel the entire framework of the club to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules (PSR). Rabiot would not require a transfer fee.
He possesses considerable ability and is comfortable influencing the game in either half of the field.
Furthermore, his physicality and willingness to duel would stand to him in the English game, with European-leading metrics in ball carrying, aerial battles and shots on target amongst midfielders.
There is a desire for a championship manager-style window to see an array of multi-million-pound signings arrive in Manchester – this is beyond impractical.
The rebuild of this club will not occur in one window, and the squad requires strengthening across the board. Having just turned 29, Rabiot presents a sensible addition to improve current options.
Understanding the role of his mother
There is a misconception about Veronique Rabiot.
For many, she is an intrusive character who presents nothing but issues as his agent. However, plenty are unaware of the childhood trauma her son endured.
As a boy, he witnessed his father suffer a horrific stroke – leaving him with ‘locked-in syndrome.’ As long as we don’t experience this disease, we don’t realise it,” the Juventus star told Le Parisien.
“It’s a very frustrating feeling. Since his accident in 2007, I have been fighting on the pitch for him too.”
The incident left the player traumatised and inevitably brought his mother closer to him – fulfilling both roles as best she could.
Some of her methods have come across as questionable. But she is an agent acting through a mother’s eyes.
Potential drawbacks
According to SalarySport, Rabiot earns close to £150,000 per week. While this figure may present concerns, we must weigh up the variables.
Should a deal come to fruition, this presents a considerable financial commitment from a club attempting to offset unreasonable expenditure.
However, with uncertainty regarding the futures of Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Donny van de Beek, the trio earns a weekly figure of £620,000.
I have elaborated on the role of Veronique and offered sympathy for a horrific family ordeal, but that does not alleviate concern about her involvement.
In terms of an experienced signing to bolster the squad and supply an immediate starting option, Manchester United could do far worse than Adrien Rabiot on a free transfer.
While I do not believe he is the solution to the question surrounding a suitable partner for Kobbie Mainoo, I feel he could aid the youngster’s development.
Furthermore, this is an elite international midfielder with unquestionable talent and pedigree.
He is not in the twilight of his career – he is influencing major fixtures on the biggest European stages, and doing so with a smile.
Squads win titles, not a strong starting XI alone. Rabiot can influence both at the Theatre of Dreams.
Let us know what you think about the prospect of the Frenchman below.
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