Manchester United were once on the verge of signing Adrien Rabiot in the summer of 2022 after identifying the Frenchman as a key midfield target.
The club had agreed a £15 million fee with Juventus and then-manager Erik ten Hag was pushing for a deal to bolster his new-look midfield in his first window at Old Trafford.
But despite initial optimism, the transfer collapsed before the season began, with wage demands widely cited as the main stumbling block at the time.
Rabiot stayed at Juventus for two more years before eventually joining Marseille on a free transfer last summer.
Now, Rabiot’s mother and agent Veronique has revealed her side of the story – accusing United of making a “very disrespectful” demand that led to the deal breaking down.
Speaking to L’Equipe, she explained: “That year, Adrien was ready to leave Juve, who had qualified for the Champions League, for Manchester United, who hadn’t.
“We discussed the terms, and in the end, they said to me: ‘If we don’t qualify for the Champions League at the end of next season, Adrien’s salary will go down.’
“I found that really over the top and very disrespectful.”
She added: “I said, ‘We’re stopping’. They thought it was a strategy to get more [money].
“But no, it was a matter of principle, not money.
“Obviously, it surprised them.
“They’re not used to it.”
It was apparent at the time suggested Rabiot was seeking a wage increase from £6m to £8.6m per season, as stated by The Mirror.
A figure still far below United’s top earners at the time, like Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea.
Ten Hag was still keen on acquiring Rabiot’s signature in summer 2023, although yet again, that move didn’t materialise.
Rabiot was said to ‘appreciate’ links with United, during the time where United were desperate to add depth and experience.
