Man Utd and Adrien Rabiot agree to transfer fee for Juventus’ Scott McTominay move
Manchester United have agreed in principle to sign Adrien Rabiot, a Juventus midfielder. Erik ten Hag hopes for an active week in transfer market after seeing his new charges lose to Brighton 2-1. The Dutchman was shown the enormity of his task after a positive pre-season.
United managed to make a comeback despite the introduction Cristiano Ronaldo‘s brace in the first half. This is the worst start for the new boss who hopes to quickly improve the situation surrounding the 13-time Premier League champions.
With the boos still ringing in Manchester’s sky, reports have emerged of swift and decisive action. Marko Arnautovic is a target. A bid of £7.6million has already been turned down for the Austrian.
This would give Ten Hag another option, but it wouldn’t solve his biggest problem in the squad, which is the midfield. There was a clear need to find a new midfielder even before the Brighton dismantling. Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic, and Paul Pogba all left on a free basis.
Ten Hag has been a top target for Frenkie de Jong for the entire summer. However, Ten Hag is growing frustrated at Barcelona’s stubborn approach towards negotiations. Rabiot is the Juventus star, and United bosses hope to strike a deal.
The 27-year old is in the last year of his deal with the Italian giants. He could be a cheaper option than De Jong’s £71.5m. According to the Manchester Evening News, Juventus has agreed to a fee. The finer details will be worked out with Veronique, the agent of the player. According to Turin’s JuveDipendenza, Scott McTominay could be the alternative, as the Bianconeri have earmarked him as a possible replacement for Rabiot.
Massimiliano Allegri, Juve boss, is said to be a big fan of the tactical discipline displayed by the Scotland international, despite being criticised for his performance vs Brighton. McTominay and Fred started at United’s base midfield. However, neither of them managed to win their respective battles. McTominay finished with a pass success rate just 67% in the first half.
Paul Scholes, a United legend, lashed out at McTominay in his post-match autopsy and called some of his decisions “criminal”. “McTominay tried to run with the ball all the time, it was ridiculous. The pitch’s middle was very poor.
“With Fred McTominay and McTominay he [Ten Hag] will have to go with only one of them, but even one is probably too many. McTominay tries to keep the ball in his hands and Fred gives it away constantly. Pass it to your best players! It’s not difficult.
It’s a crime in a day like today.