Manchester United have been linked with a potential signing of Adrien Rabiot, and it seems the French midfielder may need the move more than anyone. After a turbulent summer and no club to call home, Rabiot’s career hangs in the balance.
United’s recent lack of midfield depth was glaringly exposed in their 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, where youngster Toby Collyer was brought on to replace a struggling Casemiro. This highlighted United’s need for reinforcements, and Rabiot could be the solution as a free agent.
Despite interest from multiple clubs, Rabiot, now 29, remains without a team as the 2024-25 season kicks into gear. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that United have been offered Rabiot, and the Frenchman’s situation grows more precarious by the day.
Rabiot’s Need for a Move
For Rabiot, joining Manchester United is critical. Left out of the French squad for the international break, France manager Didier Deschamps has publicly urged him to secure a new club to revive his international career. Deschamps described the player’s current situation as “embarrassing,” stressing that Rabiot needs to get back to training with a team if he wants to return to the national setup.
The Risks of a Short-Term Fix
United, however, must tread carefully. The club has a history of being burned by short-term signings—Wout Weghorst’s brief stint comes to mind—and they can end up disrupting the squad and the wage structure. With no top European clubs snapping up Rabiot, his high wage demands could be the reason. If United are to pursue this deal, they must ensure it’s not just a paycheck for the player.
If Rabiot lowers his financial expectations, a deal could be beneficial for both parties. United are in need of midfield depth, especially with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen potentially leaving next summer. Securing Rabiot now could ease the midfield transition and add much-needed experience to the squad.
The clock is ticking, and Rabiot’s next move may be crucial for his future at both the club and international levels.
Adrien Rabiot’s situation is indeed pressing. With Manchester United’s midfield depth severely tested, particularly after the Liverpool defeat, Rabiot could be a fitting short-term solution. His availability as a free agent makes him an appealing option, especially given the club’s current needs.
However, United must be cautious. Rabiot’s past experiences with short-term fixes and high wage demands could pose risks. To make the deal work, Rabiot might need to adjust his financial expectations. If United can secure him on reasonable terms, it could provide a valuable boost in the midfield and offer stability as they prepare for potential departures like Casemiro and Eriksen.
For Rabiot, joining United not only represents a chance to revitalize his career at the club level but also a stepping stone to regain his place in the French national team. Both parties have much to gain, but the move needs to be approached thoughtfully to avoid potential pitfalls.
