Noel Whelan has suggested Man United were right to walk away from a deal for Adrien Rabiot as reported details of his wage demands emerge.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Red Devils need a more defensive-minded midfielder.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (16 August), Rabiot’s transfer to Man United has collapsed as his salary requests are considered “crazy” by the Old Trafford club.
Adrien Rabiot’s salary requests are considered crazy by Man United. Discussions are now in total stand-by, could only change in case Rabiot changes his mind. 🚨🇫🇷 #MUFC
Man Utd won’t change salary bid made to Rabiot. Up to him, as board’s already exploring other options. ⤵️ https://t.co/BpeMDxa0fu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2022
He updated on Wednesday (17 August), to claim that Erik ten Hag’s side are now preparing an offer for Real Madrid defensive midfielder Casemiro.
Rabiot’s agent and mother, Veronique, orchestrated his free transfer exit from PSG in 2019 after falling out with the French giants.
She was reportedly demanding that the midfielder receive wages on par with Bruno Fernandes’ £240,000-a-week pay-packet in order to join Man United.
Whelan insisted the France international’s representatives may have caused even more unrest behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Man United don’t need any more controversy – they’ve got enough hanging over their heads right now.
“They need something to go right for them – after the results, the situation with Cristiano Ronaldo, the lack of signings.
“I’m not sure he was the right player for what they need anyway. They need a young, strong, out-and-out defensive midfielder.
“I think it would have been another questionable decision and a waste of money had they bowed to Rabiot’s demands.
“We know that he and his agent are difficult to deal with – and that could have caused problems behind the scenes as well.”