Manchester United missed out on the signing of France midfielder Adrien Rabiot in the summer of 2022.
United raised plenty of eyebrows in Erik ten Hag’s first summer at the helm by agreeing a deal to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid. However, the Brazilian wasn’t the club’s first choice target.
Initially, the Red Devils tried to reunite Ten Hag with Frenkie de Jong. After the Barcelona midfielder showed reluctance to move to Old Trafford, they switched their focus to Rabiot, who was playing for Juventus at the time.
The Premier League giants agreed a £15million fee rising to £20m with Juventus, but the move collapsed. It was reported that the two parties failed to find an agreement over contract terms.
Rabiot’s camp refused to accept Manchester United’s salary conditions
Shining light on the negotiations, the French midfielder’s mother and agent, Veronique, has accused United of being “disrespectful” during transfer talks.
In an interview with L’Equipe (via the Manchester Evening News), she revealed: “That year, Adrien was ready to leave Juve, who had qualified for the Champions League, for Manchester United, who hadn’t.
“We discussed the terms and in the end, they said to me, ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League at the end of next season, Adrien’s salary will go down.’ I found that really over the top and very disrespectful.
“I said, ‘We’re stopping.’ They thought it was a strategy to get more [money]. But no, it was a matter of principle, not money. Obviously, it surprised them. They’re not used to it.”
United subsequently secured the services of Casemiro. Rabiot, meanwhile, left Juve for Marseille last summer.
Manchester United looking to sign a midfielder
The side’s midfield remains a major cause of concern under Ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorin, due to the absence of technically proficient midfielders.
Ineos appear to be prioritising strengthening United’s attack, as they explore potential deals for Ollie Watkins and Benjamin Sesko.
However, United are set to temporarily part ways with Toby Collyer in their attempts to pave the way for a midfield signing.
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!
