Five central midfielders Man Utd should sign instead of Rabiot

Karan Tejwani

• 9 Aug 2022 09:17 BST
• 4 min read

Manchester United are interested in a move for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and are set to make a move for the player as they look to bolster their squad.

The club have been active in the market for a midfielder all summer but are yet to sign a player, and have settled on a quick, cut-price move for Rabiot as their choice.

This isn’t the best option – and fans have expressed their dismay over the news – with many expecting the club to show more ambition in the transfer market.

With that in mind, what are the alternatives United could’ve moved for, and may still have the time to sign before the end of the window at the end of August?

Related articles

Out of contract in 2022: The best free agents available on a Bosman

Football Transfer News LIVE: Tomiyasu signs new Arsenal contract

Premier League 2022/23 summer transfers: All the completed deals

Youri Tielemans

For much of the summer, it looked like Tielemans was on his way to Arsenal, but the Gunners are yet to make a firm offer for the player having invested elsewhere.

Judging by their transfer activity and opening performances, Tielemans might prefer Arsenal over the Red Devils, but Manchester United can always try anyways.

The Belgian has a wealth of Premier League experience, is at a good age, and will certainly be better than what the club already have – he’d be a good signing at a reported fee of around £40 million.

Moises Caicedo

Things could come full circle for Caicedo if he ends up moving to Manchester United one day, having been linked to them in the past.

The Ecuadorian went to Brighton instead in the winter of 2021, and it proved to be a smart call – he’s improved, developed and got time to play in the top-flight, even scoring against Manchester United last season.

The midfielder has shown his industry – something United lack – and at 20, he’d be an excellent long-term option, but won’t come in cheap as Brighton are stern negotiators.

Ruben Neves

Over the years, Ruben Neves has proven to be a great midfielder for Wolves, and he’s had very little European football to match it, with the player seemingly interested in showing his talents on the continental stage.

That could work in United’s favour, and they’ll be getting a player of great Premier League experience should they sign Neves, as well as one who has many good years left in him.

Over the summer, Neves has been of interest to the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal, but with United’s strong connection with agent Jorge Mendes, a deal could be brokered here.

John McGinn

This option is a little less considered, but McGinn is a player that would suit this United team well – he brings the energy they lack, and would be a worthwhile addition.

The problem is that he’d cost too much – he’s only just been made Aston Villa captain and it might just be too late in the window for a move to happen.

McGinn is admired by many at Manchester United – including Sir Alex Ferguson – and this may be something to consider for the future.

Guido Rodriguez

The only player from outside the Premier League on this list is Argentina international Rodriguez, who has been a star for Real Betis.

Linked with a move earlier this week, Rodriguez has been a rock on the defensive side for Betis, and would make an ideal addition to the team.

Betis apparently have to sell to make up for the financial troubles as well, and a late move could well be possible here towards the end of the window.