Man Utd may look at former top transfer target as midfield ace brutally cut from squad

Manchester United have seemingly been gifted an opportunity to go back in for a previous transfer target after an explosive fallout at Marseille. Roberto De Zerbi's side got their Ligue 1 campaign off to a poor start, losing 1-0 against 10-man Rennes.

Following the match, Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Rowe had a changing room bust-up. The pair have now been suspended by the club for their behaviour and did not report for training on Monday. Furthermore, it now appears Rabiot's time in Marseille is over just a year after his move from Juventus.

According to RTL, the French international has now been told he can leave the club by De Zerbi. The ex-Brighton boss is said to be unhappy with his current commitment levels, believing he has not shown the same levels as last season.

Rabiot's mother and agent, Veronique, was reportedly informed about his suspension on Monday. His lawyer was also said to have been contacted and told of the club's decision to put him on the transfer list.

Rabiot, 30, was heavily linked with United last summer before eventually heading back to his native France. Instead, United signed Manuel Ugarte in a £43.1million deal, but the Uruguayan has failed to impress under Erik ten Hag and the current boss, Ruben Amorim.

Speculation also remains over the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro. Amorim may now consider Rabiot a viable solution to his midfield problems. He's not short of experience, having won six league titles in France and Italy from his stints with PSG and then Juve.

It's not a deal likely to prove costly in terms of a transfer fee, either. Rabiot only signed a two-year contract upon his arrival, meaning he is eligible to leave for free next summer if Marseille don't sell him beforehand.

However, Amorim and United will be aware that this isn't the first time he's been embroiled in controversy. In March 2019, just four months before he left for Turin, Rabiot was suspended by PSG for going clubbing after a Champions League defeat to the Red Devils, and for liking an Instagram post by Patric Evra celebrating the result.