When Erik ten Hag was ruled ineligible for the France international a year ago, they were forced to settle for Casemiro. As far as consolation goes, it was almost like misplacing a tenner and discovering a £20 note instead.
It remains to be seen whether history repeats itself, with Adrien Rabiot sliding through Manchester United’s fingers for the second summer in a row. The confirmation of Rabiot’s new contract on Tuesday increases the pressure on the Red Devils as they seek a deal with Chelsea for Mason Mount, who has already had three bids rejected.
Rabiot, a former Manchester City player, had his best season in 2022/23. The formerly reviled midfielder scored 11 goals and assisted six others in his box-to-box role.
It says a lot about Rabiot’s dedication to the Bianconeri cause that he was willing to reject Champions League football at Old Trafford in order to commit for another year to a crisis-hit Juve side that finished seventh in Serie A despite a significant points deduction.
Adrien Rabiot rejects Manchester United once more.
“The contract renewal is fantastic news,” ex-Juventus and Liverpool ace Momo Sissoko tells Tutto Juve. “I’m delighted for Adrien.
“He was determined to stay at Juve.” He enjoys his time in Turin and has always felt valued within this group. Choosing Juventus again was, in my opinion, the best option he could have taken. Adrien will be a vital component in the reconstruction.”
“He’s a fantastic player.” “It’s also important for Juventus to start over with a (player who brings) certainty, like the Frenchman,” adds ex-Italy striker Luca Toni (Gazzetta dello Sport).
“What I dislike the least is the one-year extension.” So new Rabiot rumors will start next spring.”
Manchester United hopes to reach an agreement with Chelsea this week about Mount. The £55 million proposal United put on Saturday for Ten Hag’s number one midfield target remains on the table at Stamford Bridge.