Manchester United’s transfer window is unraveling at a frightening pace and with less than three weeks remaining before the window shuts, a deep-lying midfielder is yet to walk through the doors at Carrington.
Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is still the club’s principal target this summer but a deal has proved to be difficult, with rivals Chelsea also interested in signing the Dutchman.
That has led to United considering other targets, with Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot among the candidates to fill a gaping hole in midfield.
Earlier this week, it was reported that United had reached an agreement with the Turin club over Rabiot’s transfer but that personal terms needed to be agreed upon.
Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, has taken a hands-on approach but United have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of Rabiot.
Now that John Murtough and Veronique Rabiot are both in the same city, Turin, the transfer of Adrien Rabiot to Manchester United should move forward quicker.
— Julien Laurens (@LaurensJulien) August 11, 2022
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According to French journalist Julien Laurens, a deal to sign Rabiot could now be accelerated as John Murtough, United’s football director, and Veronique are in the same city.
The pair are both said to be in Turin and although there’s no mention of negotiations, it’s fair to assume that United will look to wrap the deal up sooner rather than later.
SN’s verdict…
It’s unclear whether Rabiot was on United’s shortlist of targets at the start of the summer but it’s clear that Erik ten Hag is keen on bringing him to Old Trafford. The 27-year-old is a tough-tackling figure and offers much of what Ten Hag wants in a midfielder.
But there are concerns over his demeanor and the presence of his mother and agent, who has caused trouble at both club and international level, is also worrying.
Ten Hag deserves the chance to dictate United’s moves in the transfer market and we shouldn’t judge too quickly but the jury will be out on this one for quite some time.
