Manchester United have been linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot, but the French midfielder might need the move to be finalised more than anyone else.
Ineos may yet complete one final signing even after the English transfer window slammed shut.
Manchester United’s lack of midfield depth was exposed in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, with Toby Collyer brought off the bench to replace Casemiro after his dire first-half performance.
The only mistake Ineos made over the summer was not signing another midfielder to add to the squad’s depth, but they could soon rectify that if Adrien Rabiot is signed as a free agent.
Fabrizio Romano revealed that United have been offered Rabiot in his search for a new club, and a month into the season he is still yet to find a new home.
Adrien Rabiot needs Manchester United move
It is clear that United still need extra midfield depth and Rabiot fits the bill, but the 29-year-old needs United just as badly.
Rabiot was left out of the latest France squad for the international break after failing to find a club for the 2024-25 season.
France manager Didier Deschamps has now urged Rabiot to find a club and resume training so his international career can get back on track.
“Adrien Rabiot has a somewhat embarrassing situation,” Deschamps told the media.
“His contract was expiring and he was solicited by several teams but now he’s without a team and doesn’t train in a group.
“I hope he can quickly choose a club that can then bring him back to us.”
Manchester United must be wary of short-term signings
United have been stung in the past by filling gaps with short-term signings – Wout Weghorst comes to mind. They often unsettle the squad and ruin the club’s wage bill.
The fact that no other top clubs in Europe have snapped up Rabiot is a red flag. His wage demands must be a concern and that is something United will need to be careful about.
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Rabiot could be a good signing for United, but it’s up to the club and the new-look recruitment team to make sure he is not just joining for a big pay-day.
If Rabiot is willing to drop his demands in order to get his career back on track, then United should make it happen sooner rather than later.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen look set to leave the club next summer so midfield reinforcements will be a top priority. Rabiot can help to lift some of that weight if he is signed this season.
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