Manchester United were linked with Adrien Rabiot over the summer, but a new claim from French outlet *L'Equipe* suggests the club offered the 29-year-old midfielder a four-year deal—an offer that would seem to contradict the transfer strategy implemented by Ineos, the club's new owners. Throughout the summer, United prioritized signing younger, up-and-coming players to build for the future, making the supposed long-term offer to Rabiot a surprising and "bizarre" move according to pundits.
Ineos and sporting director Dan Ashworth focused on bolstering United’s squad by targeting younger talent and trimming high-earning players like Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial. Their summer acquisitions, such as Noussair Mazraoui, fit this profile, with Mazraoui proving to be a bargain at Ł12.8 million. However, Rabiot, who had become a free agent after leaving Juventus, would have represented a departure from this youthful approach, as he was nearing 30 and seeking a club in European competition.
United were in the market for another midfielder following Scott McTominay's move to Napoli for Ł25 million. Casemiro’s declining performances made the need for reinforcements in midfield sensible. Rabiot's experience, including his World Cup finalist status with France, seemed to make him an appealing short-term solution to add depth and variety to United's midfield. However, his high wage demands reportedly became an issue during negotiations, and he ultimately signed with Marseille.
The reported four-year offer from United seems odd, especially considering Ineos' emphasis on planning for the future. Pundits have highlighted that signing an older player like Rabiot to a long-term deal would clash with United’s recent recruitment philosophy, which aims to invest in younger players who fit Erik ten Hag's high-intensity style of play. Offering Rabiot a contract that would have seen him stay until age 33 would have risked repeating mistakes made with Casemiro, whose own long-term deal now seems to weigh heavily on the club given his decline in form.
Ultimately, United missing out on Rabiot may have been a blessing in disguise, allowing them to maintain their focus on developing a younger, more dynamic squad. The club’s decision not to proceed with a four-year deal aligns with Ineos' broader strategy, avoiding a potentially costly commitment to a player entering his twilight years.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0