Adrien Rabiot makes ‘fortunate’ admission about failed Man Utd move after confirming transfer contact

Manchester United tried to sign Adrien Rabiot in the summer, but the Juventus midfielder has explained why he is glad he didn’t go there.

Rabiot was the first alternative Man Utd turned to when encountering difficulties in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. At one point, it looked likely that the Frenchman would be ending up at Old Trafford.

After failing to score at all in the 2021-22 season, it appeared Juventus had little use left for him. What’s more, his contract was entering its final year.

With that in mind, Man Utd identified him as a potential target, hoping that he could enjoy some better form in new surroundings.

Ultimately, the deal collapsed, seemingly because of the player’s perspective. There were claims that Man Utd couldn’t meet his wage demands, while their lack of Champions League involvement became a concern.

At the time, it seemed like a blessing in disguise for Man Utd due to his inconsistent history with Juventus. Since, though, Rabiot has been enjoying his best season in the black and white colours.

Indeed, he has already scored five goals from 16 appearances in all competitions during 2022-23. It is the joint-best tally of his Juventus career and only one shy of his most prolific campaign with previous club, Paris Saint-Germain.

His form has even enabled him to earn a place in France’s squad for their defence of the World Cup trophy.

Hence, there is now a feeling that Man Utd may have missed out on a good deal. Still, with Rabiot’s contract yet to be renewed by Juventus, a chance remains they could come back in for him in 2023.

If that is to be the case, though, it may be even harder to tempt the 27-year-old this time around. After all, he has just admitted that it was the “best decision” to stay at Juventus in the summer.

Adrien Rabiot reflects on snubbing Man Utd

Rabiot told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “It’s true, there were contacts in the Premier League. But in the end, it was perhaps fortunate that I stayed, perhaps the best decision.

“The Premier League remains the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future. I stay focused on the World Cup.

“The club and I are in no hurry. There is serenity and we will have time to weigh up every possibility.”

Gazzetta Dello Sport has predicted that Rabiot may even wait until the end of the season before discussing his future. That said, the prospect of him remaining in Turin is getting more likely, even if suitors could be watching him in Qatar over the next few weeks.

Adrien Rabiot has played for Juventus since 2019, when he joined them as a free agent. Since then, he has played in 145 matches for the club across all competitions.

The next contract he signs will likely last for the rest of the prime of his career. Therefore, he will be considering all his options.

If Juventus cannot extend his contract by January, he would be able to sign a pre-agreement with a club outside Italy. But with the way he has been playing for them, it seems like Juventus will be doing all they can to keep hold of him into a fifth season and beyond.

Understandably, his mind is occupied with the World Cup for now. Beyond then, he will have to address his club future, but his comments might not give much hope to a revived attempt by Man Utd to sign him.

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