This summer, Manchester United’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen the team are set to continue, and a fresh development has been made on a long-term transfer target.

What has happened with Man United’s interest in Adrien Rabiot recently?
Adrien Rabiot, a midfielder for Juventus, has piqued Man United’s attention once again, claims the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

According to the rumour, Rabiot’s exceptional performance this year hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the Red Devils are expected to battle with Newcastle United for his services this summer.

In a few weeks, the Frenchman’s contract will expire, making him free to work for anybody.

At Manchester United, who would Rabiot succeed?
Even if acquiring a talented center-forward will be Old Trafford’s first focus this summer, Erik ten Hag’s development will need to be continued in order to build on the gains he achieved in his first season.

The purchase of top-notch players will be crucial in the Manchester giants’ ambition of contending at the top once again domestically and putting in a good European campaign, as they have made progress this season by winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League.

Therefore, bringing in Rabiot may be just what Ten Hag needs to provide his midfield next season a boost of outstanding skill and a new viewpoint. The France international may even serve as a much-needed Paul Pogba substitute.

Since Pogba has been injured, Rabiot has taken up Pogba’s responsibilities for both the France national team and Juventus, filling in as the centre of the midfield for the Qatar World Cup and the whole Serie A season.

With eight goals, four assists, and 60% of his dribbles completed in 31 league games, the 6 foot 2 behemoth has been a strong presence on both sides of the pitch.

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The Juventus player has also shown he has the all-around talent to succeed Pogba at Old Trafford by averaging one vital pass, 1.5 shots on goal, two tackles, and 1.2 clearances per game.

Despite having a contentious background, the Frenchman has appeared to be reborn in Italy and has shown off his powerful midfield skills, earning praise from many, including his manager Andrea Pirlo, who said:

I have rarely seen someone who is so powerful both physically and technically as this guy. He is a complete player.

He isn’t even aware of the room for progress he has, so we focus on his mental state to help him realise that he is a champion. Game every game, he becomes better.

With that stated, it would be a perfect opportunity for Ten Hag to add some much-needed talent in midfield if Man United can get Rabiot for free this summer, filling that Pogba-shaped gap.