Man Utd interested in deal to sign star who felt ‘lucky’ to avoid them in 2022

Manchester United are reportedly interested in a deal to sign free agent Adrien Rabiot, who felt ‘lucky’ to avoid joining them just two years ago.

Rabiot left Juventus on June 30 and United are once again trying to bring him to Old Trafford while Liverpool, AC Milan and Real Madrid have also been linked.

United appear to be in the strongest position to land his signature, according to fresh reports in France, with L’Eqiupe claiming they’ve reignited their interest.

That comes less than two years after Rabiot revealed in an interview that he felt ‘lucky’ to avoid a switch to the Red Devils.

The France international was expected to join United in the summer of 2022 after the club agreed a fee with Juventus for the former Paris Saint-Germain star.

Rabiot’s representatives, though, were thought to be demanding eye-watering wages, which reportedly saw United pull out of a deal to sign the midfielder.

‘It’s true, there were contacts with Premier League clubs, but in the end, I was lucky to stay, perhaps it was the best decision,’ he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

‘The Premier League is the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future.

‘I am focused on the World Cup. The club and I are in no hurry, there’s serenity so we can consider all options.’

Rabiot, 29, is very much keen to test himself in the Premier League one day and has previously said: ‘I have always said that I’d like to play in England in my career. I still have that desire.

‘I’d like to evolve in the Premier League. It’s the league, it’s the level of play that’s going on, that’s what attracts me most. It corresponds to my qualities.

‘I haven’t got a Premier League team in mind right now. I haven’t chosen a team or anything. It’s a general thing.’

Strengthening the team’s midfield is a top priority for United manager Erik ten Hag and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer transfer window.