🔥🏟️Adrien Rabiot had doubts over joining Man Utd after hearing comment made by Lou Macari on MUTV

Adrien Rabiot had second thoughts about joining Manchester United after club legend Lou Macari gave his thoughts on the midfielder during a segment on MUTV.

Back in August 2022, United reached an agreement with Juventus over the purchase of Rabiot for an initial £15 million, although personal terms still had to be negotiated with his his agent and mother, Veronique.

In fact, the demands made by Veronique were said to be significant, according to a new report from The Athletic, who have provided a fascinating insight into the deal that never happened.

It is said that Rabiot was upset at the criticism surrounding his projected move to Old Trafford and, after hearing comments from Macari on the club’s in-house media channel, he had second thoughts.

As you can see from the footage below, Macari said he had “a bad feeling about the guy” when discussing Rabiot. He also questioned why no top club had signed him.

“I’d never really heard of him,” Macari said. “Clubs spend millions of pounds scouting players across Europe, but nobody else has made a move for this fella. Why do you think this is? I have got a bad feeling about the guy.”

It is also said that Rabiot’s reaction to criticism planted ‘a seed of doubt’ at United about his ability to deal with scrutiny.

The Frenchman, who is now a free agent, has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the previous two transfer windows but nothing has materialised.

Rabiot previously opened up on his desire to play in the Premier League having spent time in England with Manchester City’s academy in 2008.

Speaking at the World Cup in Qatar, he said: “It was very good experience. I didn’t do a whole season, though. Everything went well while I was there.”

He added: “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.”

Image credit: Getty

Image credit: Getty

AC Milan have been heavily linked with a move for Rabiot, who was not restricted by the transfer window deadline because of his status as a free agent

Adrien Rabiot’s potential move to Manchester United fell through after he reportedly had second thoughts due to criticism from club legend Lou Macari on MUTV. In August 2022, United reached an agreement with Juventus to purchase Rabiot for an initial £15 million. However, negotiations stalled over personal terms with Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique, who reportedly made significant demands.

The Athletic reports that Rabiot became unsettled by the backlash surrounding his possible transfer to Old Trafford. Macari’s comments on MUTV, where he expressed doubt about Rabiot and questioned why no top club had pursued him, are said to have influenced Rabiot’s decision. Macari stated, “I’d never really heard of him. Clubs spend millions of pounds scouting players across Europe, but nobody else has made a move for this fella. Why do you think this is? I have got a bad feeling about the guy.”

Rabiot’s reaction to such criticism reportedly raised concerns at United about his ability to handle scrutiny. Although Rabiot has expressed a desire to play in the Premier League, having previously spent time in Manchester City’s academy in 2008, his move to United never materialized. The French midfielder, who became a free agent, has since been linked with a potential transfer to AC Milan.

Rabiot has publicly expressed his interest in playing in England, describing the unique atmosphere of English football as appealing compared to that of France and Italy. Despite being linked with United in recent transfer windows, no agreement has been reached.