Manchester United declined opportunity to sign Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie after Adrien Rabiot deal collapsed
Juventus offered Manchester United the opportunity to sign USMNT star Weston McKennie after the deal for Adrien Rabiot collapsed, according to The Telegraph (Subscription Required) [h/t Express].
The Red Devils had an agreement in place with the Old Lady for the France international. However, Rabiot’s wage demands led to United putting an end to their interest in the 27-year-old.
McKennie was then an option for the Manchester-based club. However, the 23-year-old seemingly doesn’t fit the profile of the player United are looking for this summer.
The Red Devils are short on quality midfield options after the departures this summer. Paul Pogba left the club after his contract with United ran out. The France international brought flair to the middle of the park for us.
Nemanja Matic concluded his stay with the Manchester-based club. While the 34-year-old wasn’t the quickest, he was a natural defensive midfielder. The Serbian’s departure has left a hole in the squad.
United also parted ways with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata. While the two didn’t feature much for the Red Devils in the 2021/22 campaign, their presence ensured depth in the engine room.
We’ve lost numbers in the middle of the park this summer. However, the United hierarchy have been successful in sanctioning just one midfield addition. Christian Eriksen was signed on a free transfer.
Supporters have been calling for the midfield to be strengthened for years now. Unfortunately, Fred and Scott McTominay haven’t convinced fans of their qualities over the years.
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While McKennie isn’t an out-and-out number six, the USMNT star is a decent box-to-box midfielder. United need more fresh faces in the squad before the end of the transfer window. Hopefully, the club are able to get deals for other targets over the line.