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THE BIGGER PICTURE
United famously struggled to hammer out personal terms with Rabiot’s mother and agent, Veronique, which would certainly have helped scupper any deal. But, two years on, The Athletic has now revealed that the player was allegedly so upset by apparent criticism before he had even arrived that it made him think twice. From United’s perspective, they then questioned his ability to handle the scrutiny that comes with joining the club. They did show interest in him again this summer following his release from Juventus as a free agent, but wound up landing primary target Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain instead.
WHAT LOU MACARI SAID
Macari said: “[I have] a bad feeling about the guy.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Macari made 404 appearances for Manchester United between 1973 and 1983, winning the FA Cup and playing in two others finals, as well as helping the club back into the top flight in 1975.
WHAT NEXT?
While Manchester United fans patiently await Ugarte’s debut, likely to be against Southampton after the international break, Rabiot remains without a club. Interest from AC Milan that would keep him in Italy has been rumoured, while Barcelona are in desperate need of midfielders, although any potential deal with the financially troubled Catalans would be challenging. As a free agent, Rabiot isn’t bound by the transfer deadline.
