Adrien Rabiot: two ways Erik Ten Hag could line-up Manchester United new signing, as the Red Devils are working on personal terms with his mother.
With Juventus, Man United has reached an agreement in principle to add Adrien Rabiot to their midfield roster.
After reaching an agreement with Juventus to bring the France international to the club, United, who were defeated 2-1 by Brighton on Sunday, now has the difficult task of negotiating personal terms. In order to close the deal, the Reds must now attempt to reach an agreement with Rabiot’s representative, who also happens to be his mother.
According to sources, discussions with his mother Veronique are the “sole stumbling block” to concluding the contract because the club must give him acceptable personal terms. One of the most paid players for Juventus is supposedly the 28-year-old.
Prior to the transfer window closing at the beginning of next month, United is in a critical need to bolster its midfield. They have been attempting to finalize a deal for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong for some time. But considering that the controversy keeps going on and on, United has conceded that they must consider other options.
Rabiot, who is regarded as a defensive midfielder, will unquestionably improve on United’s present midfield options, which were roundly criticized following the loss to Brighton. But assuming they complete the Frenchman’s signing, how could United lineup?
4-3-3
Rabiot would easily fit into a midfield three and serve as United’s deepest player, taking on the defensive duties. United typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, though it can occasionally switch to a 4-2-3-1 (more on that shortly).
Rabiot is able to play in front of the back four and offer a protective screen, despite the fact that he is not a pure defensive midfielder who flies into challenges and leaves his calling card. United can place Scott McTominay or Fred alongside him if they wish to take a more defensive stance.
But Christian Eriksen could play alongside him, filling in as the man in the middle between the No. 6 and No. 10 positions if they wanted to be just a little bit more expansive, especially in games they are expected to control and win. The latter position would remain with Bruno Fernandes.
4-2-3-1
Rabiot could potentially operate in one of the two defensive-midfield positions in a 4-2-3-1 formation. You would support Fred to join him in the second No. 6 position given the squad’s present state.
Eriksen would then be forced to compete with Fernandes for the advanced-midfield spot, occupying the center of the attacking-midfield three in support of a lone frontman. Even while Fred’s enthusiasm and athleticism might mean that he is tasked with pushing further forward when United is in possession, as opposed to the French international, Rabiot would be able to get on the ball from that position and dictate games from deep.
