A look at Ralf Rangnick’s comments on Amadou Haidara

Add as preferred source on Google

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.

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.

• I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
• Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
• Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
• Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
• Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
• Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
• There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
• What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
• Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
• Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
• There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination