In defence of Rabiot: Why the Frenchman could be a smart move for Man Utd
Let’s talk about Adrien Rabiot—the almost 30-year-old midfielder who’s as well-known for his poor attitude and off-field antics as he is for his abilities on the football pitch. He is exactly the type of big-wage, high-profile signing that Manchester United have targeted in the past, and many believe he represents the kind of transfer the club should avoid moving forward. But before the idea of signing him is completely dismissed, let’s take a look at why Rabiot could actually be a shrewd signing this time around.
Why the past backlash for Rabiot, and what is different now?
Whenever Rabiot’s name is linked with Manchester United, it is met with a chorus of fans declaring their displeasure on social media. This includes Attacking Football’s very own L.A. Matthews, who recently posted the Michael Scott “no, god no” GIF in response to Ben Jacobs’ report last week that Rabiot desired a move to Old Trafford. Fan displeasure was most evident two years ago, when there was a mini-meltdown by fans on X after it was reported that ex-Man United transfer chief John Murtough had held discussions with Rabiot’s infamous mother-agent in Turin.
Things are different now, though. The online’meltdown’ was fuelled by external factors. To begin with, United were just coming off the back of a poor season, requiring ‘open-heart surgery,’ and a 2-1 loss to Brentford in their first game of the season. The transfer window was also shaping up to be underwhelming; only Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Christian Eriksen had arrived, and in desperate need of a defensive midfielder and a forward, links with Rabiot and Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic were concerning, with neither being young and both having controversial pasts. More glaringly regarding Rabiot, he is not a defensive midfielder.
However, circumstances are different now. There is a feel-good factor around the club with INEOS’s arrival and the open-heart surgery fully underway. The transfer window this summer is turning out to be very positive, with four important players arriving before the season had started. Manuel Ugarte, an archetypal number 6 destroyer, looks to be on his way in. Thus, if Rabiot does arrive, he is not a panic signing; he would be a cherry on top of an already good summer.
United’s midfield needs a no. 8
With Casemiro and Ugarte likely to be Manchester United’s two main defensive midfielders, Rabiot would be arriving to play alongside one of them. However, it is unlikely that he would automatically be in the first team, given the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo. United still lacks out-and-out number 8s, though. While Eriksen, Scott McTominay, and Mason Mount have all played there under Ten Hag, they all seem more comfortable playing higher up the pitch. And if Eriksen and McTominay do end up leaving, as rumoured, Manchester United will require another midfielder.
With the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules in mind, Rabiot could be the perfect player to arrive on a free to fill the space. He would add energy, passing ability, and a physical presence to the midfield, adequately replacing both Eriksen and McTominay. His availability could also be an important factor; although he seems to pick up small injuries each season, he has played over 30 league games for Juventus in each of the last four seasons.
The ‘bad attitude’ myth
Okay, it is not exactly a myth that Rabiot has been attributed with having a poor attitude and some off-field antics. However, almost all of the negative claims and reports of him were made during his time at PSG over five years ago. Since then, Rabiot has been quiet off the pitch and consistent on it. Over the past five years, he has become an important player for Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus and Didier Deschamps for France, despite both managers being known for their high standards and tough discipline. So perhaps the narrative about Rabiot is outdated. Either that, or his ability on the field is just so good that his poor attitude is overlooked by both. Either way, Rabiot has shown that he can work well under disciplinarians, so his attitude shouldn’t be an issue under Ten Hag.
But what about Toby Collyer?
Will Rabiot stall the development of the likes of Toby Collyer, who has impressed during preseason and has the potential to become a solid midfielder for Man Utd? Likely, no. At the moment, Collyer looks to be behind Casemiro and the incoming Ugarte for the defensive midfield spot. Mainoo and McTominay were also selected ahead of him in the Fulham game. Without someone like Rabiot arriving, Collyer could be kept around to make up the numbers and end up only playing a handful of games. Rabiot’s arrival could alleviate the concerns with depth and allow Collyer to go out on loan. In a year’s time, and with a season of men’s football under his belt, Collyer could be a ready-made replacement for Casemiro, who may well leave next summer with his contract coming to an end.
While Rabiot might not be the most exciting signing, he could very well be the practical solution Manchester United requires under the current circumstances. His experience and abilities could be a valuable addition, especially with the extended Europa League campaign coming up. With Ugarte, Mainoo, and Bruno likely to be the first-choice midfielders, having players like Casemiro, Rabiot, and Mount step in when needed is far from shabby. This season, Rabiot could prove to be a valuable asset for United.
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