On Monday morning, the news came from the renowned website The Athletic that Manchester United is working to reach an agreement for the French midfielder.
Later in the day, Sky Sports further reported that United have reached an agreement with Juventus on a transfer, and that it therefore remains for the English big club to agree with the player even on the personal terms.
– Good for Juventus
One person who is very surprised by the potential transfer is Rolf-Otto Eriksen, who has commented and followed Serie A closely for several years.
– It’s good for Juventus, that, says Eriksen to Nettavisen, and continues:
– No, I’m not going to be ugly. Rabiot at his best is a good footballer, but I think he is unstable, both sportingly and partly otherwise. If United are to be strengthened, then I am a bit confused that Rabiot is the right player to go for.
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– Undeniably a lot of noise
Before a transfer can be completed, however, United must reach an agreement with the player’s agent and mother, Veronique Rabiot.
She has made a name for herself in the football world in recent years with several controversial episodes.
Among other things, when France lost to Switzerland in the EC last year, the families of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé are said to have heard it from mum Rabiot in the stands. According to the RMC she is also said to have verbally attacked certain members of the French press.
Also read: Claims the France star’s mother attacked Pogba’s family
– He comes with a package that is a bit frayed around the edges, I would say, says Eriksen.
– Now, United have dealt with difficult agents before, so they will certainly be able to do that. But if Rabiot had been Europe’s best midfielder, you would probably have bought your mother a little easier. But he is not, and there is undeniably a lot of noise around Rabiot, he says further.
Doubts despite midfield problems
There is little doubt that United wanted to strengthen the midfield this summer, with Frenkie de Jong as the man Erik ten Hag has targeted in recent months. However, the 25-year-old is still set to stay at Barcelona, even if there is still uncertainty around that situation.
– It’s clear, if you’ve had a bit of trouble with de Jong and end up with Rabiot, then as a United supporter I wouldn’t have been very satisfied with that, says Eriksen.
As you know, United opened the season with a 1-2 loss at home against Brighton. Afterwards, the midfield duo Fred and Scott McTominay have had to share a good deal of criticism.
Also read: Keane with brutal judgment on United duo: – Not good enough
Eriksen is in any case doubtful that Rabiot is the right man for the club.
– In the situation United are in now, with that opening and, I think it’s a bit strange if he is a player they think should strengthen and lift.
– If Rabiot performed at his best regularly and was stable at his top level, then we can start discussing. But I don’t think he does. A United at the absolute top, I don’t think would have considered Rabiot. It’s a strange signal, really, says Eriksen.
– What about their midfield now, where Fred and McTominay are their clear first choice?
– It is clear that Rabiot can come in and be an alternative, and also help rotate and provide alternatives. He has PSG, Juve and national team experience, so it is a seasoned player who has several strings to play in such a set.
– But if it is such a personality, such an unstable type, that you want to drag into the dressing room at Old Trafford, there are some things like that and which I doubt is a very good choice, Eriksen concludes.
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