Adrien Rabiot’s mother, Veronique, has lifted the lid on her son’s failed transfer to Manchester United in 2022. The football mum, who doubles as the agent for the French midfielder, launched a scathing attack on the Mancunian club in her explanation.
Why Adrien Rabiot turned down dream move to Man United
In an interview with L’Équipe, she didn’t hold back. She accused United of being “very disrespectful” during talks. Back in 2022, United were desperate for midfield reinforcements.
They were in talks with both Frenkie de Jong and Adrien Rabiot. Rabiot, then at Juventus, had one year left on his contract.
Juve reportedly agreed to sell him for £15 million. But the transfer fell apart over salary negotiations.
Reports at the time claimed Rabiot’s camp demanded €10 million per year. Veronique now says those claims were false. She insists money wasn’t the issue; it was about principle.
“Adrien was ready to leave Juve, who had Champions League football, for Manchester United, who hadn’t,” she explained.
They negotiated terms. But then came the shock. United allegedly inserted a clause: if they failed to qualify for the Champions League the following season, Rabiot’s salary would be cut.
“I found that really over the top and very disrespectful,” Veronique said.
“I said, ‘We’re stopping.’ They thought it was a strategy to ask for more. But no. It was never about money.”
According to her, United were simply not used to hearing “no.”
Rabiot didn’t make the move in 2022. In 2023, he stayed at Juventus for one more season. By 2024, he was a free agent again. United reportedly returned with fresh interest.
But this time, Rabiot gave up his dream of playing in the Premier League. He chose to sign for Marseille instead. And it seems that bitter taste from 2022 still lingered.