Paul Pogba is a player who massively divided opinion during his time at Manchester United, producing numerous moments of magic, but unfortunately, they were few and far between.
The French midfielder re-joined the Red Devils in a then-world record fee of £89m from Juventus, just a handful of years after he joined the Italian side on a free transfer from Old Trafford.
He racked up over 200 appearances during his second spell in the Premier League, but it was one that was full of questions about his attitude, leading to numerous bust-ups in the North West.
One of the major issues that arose for the 32-year-old was his fallout with José Mourinho, with the former United boss stripping the big-money addition of the captaincy.
He would remain at the club for three more years after the former manager’s dismissal, but he never managed to live up to his price tag, something which Ruben Amorim needs to avoid in his own pursuit of a new midfielder this summer.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds fans after the match
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim applauds fans after the match
Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder this summer
There is no denying that Carlos Baleba has been United’s most-sought-after midfield target in recent weeks, but a deal now appears dead in the water after Brighton’s reluctance to offload the 21-year-old.
The Cameroonian hasn’t been the only Premier League star in their sights, with Adam Wharton another option under consideration - but the Englishman would be yet another expensive addition, given his current £100m asking price.
However, cheaper alternatives are currently being considered by the Red Devils hierarchy, with journalist Fabrizio Romano stating that Marseille star Adrien Rabiot is an option who could be considered.
He stated that the Frenchman is free to leave the Ligue 1 outfit this summer, with his representatives approaching Amorim’s side and offering the 30-year-old’s services to the club.
adrien-rabiot-juventus
Romano also confirmed the Red Devils’ previous interest in the former Juventus star, which has undoubtedly played a huge part in the player’s agent reaching out once again.
Why United’s target would be their next Pogba
United’s midfield options at present remain sparse to say the least, with Amorim desperately wanting reinforcements in the next couple of weeks before the window slams shut.
Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the first name on the teamsheet in such an area, but there’s no consistent partner alongside him at the heart of the side.
Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are all currently on the books, but there’s trio all have their drawbacks, which have prevented them from nailing down a regular starting role.
Bruno-Fernandes-Man-Utd-Casemiro
The Brazilian is entering the final years of his career, whilst Mainoo has struggled with fitness, but Ugarte has ultimately failed to hit the heights many expected after his £50m move from PSG.
Such situations have opened the door to added investment, leading to Rabiot being touted as one of the latest options in the hierarchy’s sights this summer.
Adrien-Rabiot-FBref-players
However, caution must be taken with a deal for the Frenchman, potentially landing themselves a player similar to Pogba - but, not all aspects of such a comparison are positive.
Whilst he’s 6”3 - possessing a similar frame to Pogba - whilst also being the same nationality, it’s his actions off the pitch which have drawn the most similarities.
Rabiot, who’s been labelled “world-class” by David Trezeguet, has been allowed to leave Marseille after a bust-up with Jonathan Rowe, with controversy following him just like Pogba during his own time at United.
However, despite his off-field antics, the former Juventus star still possesses a lot of quality, as seen by his tally of 13 combined goals and assists in just 29 appearances.
Adrien Rabiot's stats for Marseille in Ligue 1 (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Progressive passes
Passes into final third
Tackles won
Clearances made
Aerials won
Aerial success rate
Stats via FBref
He also completed 6.1 progressive passes per 90, whilst winning 1.8 tackles per 90, possessing the perfect qualities, making him the perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s side.
The club’s hunt for a new midfielder has been ongoing for multiple weeks now, with a solution desperately needed to be made before the September 1st transfer deadline.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim arrives before the match
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim arrives before the match
Rabiot could well be the answer, showcasing the quality he possesses during his recent spell in Ligue 1, but should they sign him, they will need to keep a close eye on his off-the-field antics, which have tarnished his stint at Marseille.