Ralf Rangnick is still in Germany awaiting the approval of his visa, but he is already getting to work on planning on the improvement of Manchester United.
The Times reports Rangnick’s top priority is to sign a midfielder in the January transfer window.
It is claimed he ‘has immediately set about bringing in an energetic midfielder and an assistant to implement his pressing style’.
Top of Rangnick’s list, reportedly, is RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara, who he signed for the club.
Haidara has a £33 million release clause and he is one of the players Rangnick is considering. It is interesting at this stage to hear he already has multiple targets – although the names of others are undisclosed.
A quick win
One of the quickest ways for Rangnick to implement his new style of play at Manchester United, is to bring in a player who has already proven he can do it.
Haidara can come in and lead by example, to give the rest of the team a guiding point to follow.
£33 million is a very reasonable price for a midfielder of his quality, and Rangnick has the inside track on the intricacies of his release clause, and how to approach RB Leipzig.
With Rangnick having a role as a consultant for two years beyond the end of this season, it is easier for United’s board to approve backing him in the January transfer market to sign at least one player – and midfield is the clear priority position of need.
Haidara a top talent
Haidara, 23, is an ideal age for a player for Manchester United to bring to Old Trafford.
Already in his career, Haidara has played in 17 Champions League games and a further 18 Europa League matches, not counting qualifiers.
Haidara has two goals in 12 matches for RB Leipzig this season. He is strong on the ball, with FBRef reporting he ranks sixth in the Bundesliga this season for successful dribbles.
The midfielder would add an energy into United’s midfield which is ideal for Rangnick’s system, and help the rest of the team’s talented players click into place.
One potential problem
A quick deal for a player Rangnick knows and likes, seems too good to be true, and in this case, there is one potential catch.
Haidara is expected to be part of the Mali squad which will play at the African Cup of Nations, which starts in early January and runs until February.
This could not only make a deal logistically difficult, but it would deny Rangnick the services of Haidara for a few more weeks.
This is where Rangnick has to balance the qualities of the other midfielders he is interested in.
If Haidara is the best option, then he is worth the wait. If there is little split between them, then he may recommend United sign the more immediately available option.
But with long term interest as well as short term, Rangnick will try to make the right decision for United which goes beyond just needs for this season.
Crucially, with RB Leipzig out of the Champions League, Haidara would be eligible to strengthen United’s last 16 push when the competition resumes in late February.
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