Manchester United’s search for a statement signing in midfield in the 2022 summer transfer window was a saga that is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.
After pinning all of their hopes on signing Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong, United, in the end, were forced to look elsewhere to finish constructing Erik ten Hag’s new-look midfield. It was a saga that ran and ran but brought De Jong nowhere close to Old Trafford.
Eventually, of course, United settled on Casemiro, drafting him in just over a week after the infamous 4-0 stuffing at Brentford. Some considered it as a knee-jerk reaction because of the contrasting differences in the profiles of the two players.
However, United needed a world-class defensive-midfielder and Casemiro was exactly that, joining the club from Real Madrid for an initial fee of £60million. But in between calling time on their pursuit of De Jong and Casemiro being presented to the Old Trafford faithful just minutes before the 2-1 win over Liverpool, United attempted to bring Adrien Rabiot to M16.
United agreed a deal in principle with Juventus to sign the French international in a package that could have been worth up to £20m. However, the Reds were forced to abandon their pursuit of the former Paris Saint-Germain ace because of his wage demands.
Sources at the time said Rabiot wanted an ‘obscene’ salary. His mother, Veronique, is his agent and negotiated on his behalf.
Almost two years on since United abandoned their pursuit of the 29-year-old, they are being linked with his signature once again. He is currently available as a free agent after his contract expired at Juventus last month.
A report coming out of Italy on Thursday morning claimed Rabiot is now open to holding ‘discussions’ with clubs about the next chapter in his career, including United. The Old Trafford outfit are on the hunt for fresh blood in midfield this summer, specifically a defensive-minded operator.
United have already wrapped up the signing of Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee and are closing in on Lille defender Leny Yoro, meaning further additions could rest on outgoings. They are continuing to be strongly linked with PSG’s Manuel Ugarte as far as their pursuit of a new midfielder is concerned.
However, the fact Rabiot is currently without a club and is available for free could tempt United to rekindle their interest in his services. Still south of 30, he would represent a solid addition for a lot of clubs on a free transfer.
Amid suggestions he could enter talks with United, Rabiot has previously admitted he would like to experience playing in the Premier League. He made the admission while on international duty at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“It was very good experience,” said Rabiot, answering a question about his time in England with Manchester City’s academy in 2008. “I didn’t do a whole season, though.
“Everything went well while I was there. I really liked the atmosphere. It’s really something that is only in England. It’s different from France and Italy.
“I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career. I still have that desire. I’d like to evolve in the Premier League.”
On the Premier League, he added: “I haven’t got a Premier League team in mind right now. I haven’t chosen a team or anything. It’s a general thing.
“It’s the league, it’s the level of play that’s going on, that’s what attracts me most. It corresponds to my qualities.”
At senior level, Rabiot has experienced playing in both France and Italy, meaning he may be tempted to test himself in England for the first time. He has certainly not closed the door on that possibility.
