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AC Milan ready to trump Manchester United to 30-year-old Ligue 1 star

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 9:27 AM ET

AC Milan are ready to open talks with Marseille to sign Manchester United target Adrien Rabiot

This summer has been full of news about midfielders for Manchester United. The club’s needs were clear. Casemiro’s performances have not been as reliable as before, and the team is looking for a quick and agile midfielder who can strengthen the defence in Amorim’s high-intensity system.

Christian Eriksen’s departure has left another void, while Kobbie Mainoo’s future is also uncertain, with interest from bigger European clubs being rumoured. That’s why United have been linked with several midfield options, including the likes of Morten Hjulmand, Ederson, etc. We previously reported that Adrien Rabiot was also offered to United, but the story doesn’t stop there.

Milan’s focus on Rabiot and United’s situation:

Journalist Nicolo Schira reports that talks are ongoing between Adrien Rabiot and AC Milan. Milan see him as their main target and are willing to hold discussions with Olympique Marseille. Marseille have demanded €15 million and are not interested in a swap deal. United’s links were interesting as a box-to-box midfielder could be useful in Ruben Amorim’s plans.

Rabiot possesses good movement, ball-carrying ability and experience of playing in different systems. The 30-year-old could have been a key linking force from deep midfield in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup. However, United’s financial situation and difficulties in selling high-wage players have limited the club’s movements. Meanwhile, the club have also been monitoring Morten Hjulmand, who is believed to be a direct replacement for Mainoo.

The Rabiot story from our perspective

Still, as fans, we don’t think not getting the French midfielder will be a huge loss for United. He runs, links attacks, and can sometimes be a decisive factor, but he’s 30 years old, and questions have always been raised about his discipline. Rabiot’s dressing room scandal in Marseille and his 55 fouls and 70 disciplinary points in the last two seasons in the French league show that he could become volatile at any time.

United are at a point now where Amorim and INEOS have long-term plans. So we are looking for young and hungry players who can become the backbone for years to come. Names like Carlos Baleba and Lucien Agoume fit that mindset.

The Rabiot link may have been more a result of media buzz than any serious pursuit. United have taken a step in the right direction by not repeating the old mistake of chasing big names. The club needs professional players who can fit into the team culture and adapt to Amorim’s tactics. Despite Rabiot’s ability, his latest stature and age do not fit in with United’s new path. Therefore, it was wise not to sign him, and the real focus should now be on players who can shape our new identity.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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