Manchester United’s main priority over the summer, Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window in charge of the club, was to strengthen the midfield.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was Ten Hag’s principal target but the protracted pursuit did not end well for the Old Trafford club, with De Jong’s stance of wanting to stay at Barcelona remaining the same throughout.
When it became increasingly clear that De Jong had no intention of moving on, United started to pursue other targets and Adrien Rabiot, the Juventus star, was close to making the move from Turin to Manchester.
It was reported that United had agreed a fee with Juventus of Rabiot’s transfer but the deal was being held up by talks over personal terms – the issues were never resolved and the transfer eventually collapsed.
Now, after enjoying a good start to the season at Juventus, Rabiot has spoken out about having the chance to leave this year but insists he made the right decision.
“It’s true, I had a chance to try Premier League experience but staying at Juventus was the best choice,” Rabiot told Gazzetta dello Sport, via Fabrizio Romano.
“I don’t think about future, I’m not in a rush about my contract [expiring in 2023].”
SN’s verdict…
United’s interest in Rabiot was hardly met by fanfare this summer. Supporters were almost unanimous in wanting United to aim higher and in hindsight, you would argue that United got it right.
Instead of signing Rabiot, United bought Casemiro from Real Madrid and so far, the Brazilian star has been one of United’s best players this season.
A defensive midfielder has been missing for several years and Casemiro has plugged that hole to perfection. Rabiot would have played a different role and there’s no saying that he wouldn’t have done well but the decision to sign Casemiro instead has been vindicated.
