A look at Ralf Rangnick's comments on Amadou Haidara

Manchester United are eyeing up a January move for Amadou Haidara, reports The Times.

Ralf Rangnick worked with Haidara at Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, and is well aware of the £33 million clause in his contract.

Haidara is a player who is highly valued by the incoming United interim boss.

ralf rangnick amadou haidara — (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)

Having signed Haidara for RB Leipzig, Rangnick spoke of his admiration for the midfielder.

Quoted by Bundesliga.com, Rangnick raved: “We’re delighted to have signed Amadou. We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there.

“There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements.”

United have a clear midfield need

The Times reported United were eyeing Haidara for two reasons, firstly because Rangnick wants a player to come in and set a lead for his pressing style of play.

Haidara first played for a club in Salzburg built around his principles, and then in Leipzig, he worked with Rangnick first hand to further drill into him what was expected. It is little wonder he reportedly wants him at United.

Secondary to this, and no less important, is United’s clear need for midfield additions.

While there is some excitement around the potential improvement Rangnick could have with Fred, there remains a question mark over the Brazilian’s quality, and the same goes for Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek.

Paul Pogba is expected to leave the club when his contract expires, if not before, while Nemanja Matic, 33, is not expected to play a long-term role beyond his already limited current one.

Haidara, or another chosen incoming midfielder, could play a major role in helping United to reshape a priority area in the team, which was not viewed as of urgent importance by previous boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.