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Manchester United look short on quality in the middle of the park, a theme that has continued from last season with Casemiro letting Erik ten Hag down big time.
Manuel Ugarte has been brought in to rectify that but the manager feels the Uruguayan will take time to get up to speed with the English game.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star proved his fitness levels with an accomplished showing for his country and is expected to feature against Southampton post the resumption of club football.
But following the sales of Scott McTominay and Hannibal Mejbri, United are looking short on numbers further forward especially now that Mason Mount has suffered another injury.
Midfield looks short on depth
This leaves Ten Hag with only Kobbie Mainoo and Christian Eriksen as senior options and Toby Collyer from the academy. An injury to the England international could prove to be a disaster.
While the summer window has closed, free agents can still be signed and the Red Devils have been linked with a move for long-term target Adrien Rabiot.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman will not move to Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, instead hoping to play in the Premier League.
🚨🇫🇷 Similar to Turkey, Adrien Rabiot has also currently no plans to accept any proposal from Saudi Pro League.
His priority and desire remain European top 5 leagues. pic.twitter.com/q2zVyDXxqM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2024
Both Newcastle and United remain in the fray but there were concerns that the Old Trafford side would refrain from making a move due to INEOS’ policy of only signing players below 26.
But as per CaughtOffside, the new co-owners are thinking of making an exception for the 29-year-old keeping in mind the long season and the club’s recent injury concerns.
“Rabiot could be an option for MUFC, with the club internally discussing the possibility of going against their current structure and strategy of mainly signing younger players.
Rabiot move remains possible
“Although Rabiot will turn 30 soon, there is surely some sense in making an exception for this free agent, as it could be crucial to bring in an upgrade on the struggling Casemiro, while Erik ten Hag has also arguably not adequately replaced departing duo Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat.”
The France international can play all across the midfield and is a serial winner with seven league titles, having played for giant clubs like Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain in the past.
He would be a quality addition but for that to materialise, the three-time Champions League winners will need to deal with the player’s mother and agent, Veronique who is known to be a nightmare to handle.
Rabiot was close to signing for United in Ten Hag’s first season only for wage demands made by his mother to ensure no deal ever materialised.
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