Rio Ferdinand explains what Adrien Rabiot would add to Manchester United team

Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand believes Adrien Rabiot has the potential to be a smart addition for Manchester United - but has warned that he is a downgrade on Frenkie de Jong.

With less than a month to go until the transfer window closes, United have been forced to assess alternative options in their quest to strengthen manager Erik ten Hag's midfield. The Reds identified Barcelona ace De Jong as their top target in May but are yet to make the breakthrough that they are desperate for.

Therefore, with uncertainty surrounding the deal to bring De Jong to Old Trafford, United have made the decision to explore alternative avenues, one of which is Rabiot. The club have agreed a deal in principle with Juventus to sign the France international and are now looking to thrash out personal terms.

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United's midfield woes were highlighted once again during Sunday's Premier League opener against Brighton, with Scott McTominay and Fred starting alongside each other. It is an area of the team that has been in desperate need of upgrading for several years.

And while Ferdinand thinks Rabiot could ease those troubles, he believes exploring signing him is evidently not their Plan A, insisting he is a slight downgrade on De Jong. The former centre-back has also raised questions about whether Rabiot has the goalscoring nous to fulfil the role he could be asked to.

"There's no doubting that Rabiot is a seriously talented footballer," Ferdinand told Vibe with Five. "Great left foot, brilliant at carrying the ball and dribbling and taking the ball under pressure, can pass – very well over short distances especially.

"The position Man United probably see playing him is one of