Three ways Manchester United could line up if they complete Adrien Rabiot transfer

Manchester United have agreed a fee in principle with Italian heavyweights Juventus to sign midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United, who were beaten 2-1 by Brighton on Sunday, have reached an agreement with Juventus to bring the France international to the club, but now face the challenge of negotiating personal terms. The Reds have now got to try and thrash out terms with Rabiot's agent, who also happens to be his mother, in a bid to complete the deal.

Sources have said that negotiations with his mother - Veronique - are the "only stumbling block" in an attempt to wrap up the deal as the club need to present him with satisfactory personal terms. The 28-year-old is reportedly one of Juventus' highest earners in the squad.

READ MORE: United fans react to Adrien Rabiot agreement in predictable fashion

United are desperate to strengthen their midfield ahead of the transfer window closing at the start of next month and have long since been trying to wrap up a deal for Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong. But given that saga is dragging on and on, United have accepted that they need to mull over alternative targets.

Considered as a defensive-midfielder, Rabiot will be a certain upgrade on United's current midfield options, which came in for scathing criticism after the defeat to Brighton. But how could United line up if they complete the signing of the Frenchman? Here, MEN Sport has taken a look at three possible options.

4-3-3

United, by and large, tend to operate in a 4-3-3 system, although it can become a 4-2-3-1 at times (more on that shortly), meaning Rabiot would slot straight into a midfield trio and be United's deepest player, shouldering the defensive responsibilities.

Rabiot,