Manchester United had a productive summer transfer window as they spent more than £180 million on five high-profile players.
Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro were signed in July before the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich last month.
United completed the window with the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for free-agent Adrien Rabiot lately, but Fabrizio Romano has clarified that the club have no interest in signing him.
The reputed journalist revealed that the midfielder was offered to United several times in July and August, but they never thought about securing his services.
He said: “I can guarantee you that Adrien Rabiot has been offered to Manchester United several times over the summer, in July and August.
“The position of United has been very clear. They never thought about Eriksen out, and Rabiot in. But he’s one of the interesting names to follow.”
In our view, United have made the right choice by snubbing the opportunity to sign Rabiot.
Rabiot does not suit United’s long-term plans
United made five major signings this summer with an average age of 23. Mazraoui was the oldest purchase at 26. This represents a change in the transfer policy.
The focus appears on signing emerging talents and players entering the prime of their careers. With this in mind, Rabiot would represent a backward acquisition.
The World Cup finalist would have been a good buy two years ago. A transfer package was agreed with Juventus, but a deal broke down due to personal terms.
Rabiot is currently 29 years of age and will be turning 30 next April.
His statistics were not exceptional for Juventus last term. He won 1.9 tackles and 57% of his duels, but lagged behind with his distribution. He averaged 31 passes with an accuracy of 84%.
The Paris Saint-Germain graduate turned down the opportunity to extend his £147,000 per week contract at Juventus. He decided to part ways on a free transfer on July 1.
In our opinion, the hierarchy have made the right decision on Rabiot. The central midfielder may probably ask for £180,000 weekly alongside a significant signing-on fee.
He would not suit United’s long-term plans with no resale value. There is a good possibility that Rabiot could show signs of regression over the next 18 months.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Capology.com
