United target Amadou Haidara faces spell out with knee injury

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Of all the many players linked with signing for Manchester United since Ralf Rangnick became interim boss, Amadou Haidara was the first.

The Times claimed a January move was being discussed. However, this did not happen, with United deciding not to sign anybody mid-season, and Haidara off at the AFCON with Mali.

It was also claimed by The Mail that Haidara’s £33 million release clause in his RB Leipzig contract can only be activated in the summer.

So United wait, for a possible summer move, where there are plenty of options for the position. Youri Tielemans is another, along with returning loanee James Garner, while the club also require a more orthodox defensive midfielder.

If Haidara was hoping to impress United’s scouts over the final few weeks of the season, he has been dealt a blow.

Haidara suffered a knee injury in Mali’s World Cup 2022 qualifying defeat against Tunisia.

RB Leipzig report Haidara has undergone a scan which shows he has a MCL injury in his left knee.

They say he is out ‘for the forseeable’, meaning he could miss the next few weeks at least and his season could be over.

The 24-year-old has scored four goals for Leipzig this season and provided one assist.

He was signed by Ralf Rangnick at Red Bull Salzburg and then RB Leipzig, and it is quite possible the German recommends him to United’s next manager.

Rangnick had described him to Bundesliga.com as an ‘absolutely exceptional player’.

Haidara is an energetic midfielder who could replace Fred in the United side, or at least offer a viable alternative.

United would want guarantees over his fitness ahead of any summer move, so may be watching his recovery closely, to see if he makes a return for Leipzig between now and the end of the season. The German side are still hoping to win the Europa League.