Adrien Rabiot had doubts over joining Man Utd after hearing comment made by Lou Macari on MUTV

Adrien Rabiot had second thoughts about joining Manchester United after club legend Lou Macari gave his thoughts on the midfielder during a segment on MUTV.

Back in August 2022, United reached an agreement with Juventus over the purchase of Rabiot for an initial £15 million, although personal terms still had to be negotiated with his his agent and mother, Veronique.

In fact, the demands made by Veronique were said to be significant, according to a new report from The Athletic, who have provided a fascinating insight into the deal that never happened.

It is said that Rabiot was upset at the criticism surrounding his projected move to Old Trafford and, after hearing comments from Macari on the club's in-house media channel, he had second thoughts.

As you can see from the footage below, Macari said he had "a bad feeling about the guy" when discussing Rabiot. He also questioned why no top club had signed him.

"I'd never really heard of him," Macari said. "Clubs spend millions of pounds scouting players across Europe, but nobody else has made a move for this fella. Why do you think this is? I have got a bad feeling about the guy."

It is also said that Rabiot's reaction to criticism planted 'a seed of doubt' at United about his ability to deal with scrutiny.

The Frenchman, who is now a free agent, has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the previous two transfer windows but nothing has materialised.

Rabiot previously opened up on his desire to play in the Premier League having spent time in England with Manchester City’s academy in 2008.

Speaking at the World Cup in Qatar, he said: "It was very good experience. I didn't do a whole season, though. Everything went well while I was there."

He added: "I really liked the atmosphere. It's really something that is only in England. It's different from France and Italy.

"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."

Image credit: Getty

AC Milan have been heavily linked with a move for Rabiot, who was not restricted by the transfer window deadline because of his status as a free agent.