Manchester United’s summer transfer window is beginning to click into gear after the club confirmed the signings of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and defender Leny Yoro from Lille earlier this month.
After seeing the Red Devils finish eighth in the Premier League last season, minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears intent on rebuilding the side during his first transfer window as head of the club’s football operations.
With new faces in attack and defence sealed, the club are now being linked with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot after his contract with Juventus expired last month.
The 29-year-old has reportedly made clear his desire to join the Old Trafford club and former Red Devils striker Andy Cole believes Rabiot would be a good signing.
“If the opportunity came around to sign him on a free, then why wouldn’t you consider it?,” Cole asked BetFred. “He’s done very well for Juventus, he’s a mainstay in the French national team and it’s not easy to get in that side because of some of the midfielders they have. I think he’s a really good player and he would definitely improve what Manchester United have.”
Free agent Rabiot started five of France’s six Euro 2024 matches and would bring a wealth of experience to the Manchester United midfield, having turned out more than 450 times for the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Toulouse and Juventus.
“Thinking long-term again, he would make Manchester United a better team and I wouldn’t turn my nose up at it if you can get him on a free. He’s a good player,” Cole added.
Rabiot also had a short spell in Manchester City’s youth set-up in 2008, where he played alongside Cole’s Devante, with the Frenchman leaving a lasting impression on Cole Sr.
“I remember watching him when he was a kid at Manchester City. He’s the same age as my son and they were both at the club at the same time. I could tell that he had something about him and was very talented.”
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