French talent Christian Nkunku is having a standout season for RB Leipzig. It is little wonder Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has recommended him.
ESPN reported last month Rangnick spoke to United club scouts and instructed they put him on United’s summer shortlist.
Nkunku continues to showcase his talents on a weekly basis, scoring one and providing two assists in a 6-1 away win for Leipzig at the weekend over Greuther Furth.
One of his assists showcased his ability to link play, with a cushioned header outside the box into the path of Konrad Laimer, who chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
His goal came when he latched onto a through ball on the left side of the penalty area and calmly bent the ball round the goalkeeper into the far corner. He made it look easy, but it was a difficult finish to pull off.
The attacker has 26 goals already this campaign and 12 assists in all competitions, 38 total goal contributions.
Unmatched versatility
Nkunku’s versatility makes him a highly intriguing option for Manchester United, providing the club’s next manager knows how to use him.
Considered an midfielder, Nkunku has been playing more of a striker role for RB Leipzig this season, as his goalscoring record shows. His current prolific form has seen him score six goals in his last six games.
He is also able to play as a winger, and it is this kind of adaptable approach which should see United bet on his talent and sign him as a gift to Erik Ten Hag. The Dutch boss, if appointed, would surely love to work with a talent of his calibre, and find a way to make him excel.
Nkunku’s performance at the weekend was graded 9.69 by WhoScored.com and 9.2 by FotMob.
Former Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch talked up the tactical shift to play Nkunku further forward earlier this season, telling SportBuzzer: “He has no weaknesses. The closer he is to the goal, the better it is for us and for Christo.”
Still only 24, Nkunku’s next move is crucial. He has been at Leipzig since 2019 when the German side snapped him up from PSG. His current performance levels will no doubt encourage Leipzig to demand a big fee for his services this summer.
Manchester United will likely have competition. Arsenal are long term admirers and could have extra hope if they secure a Champions League spot. But Rangnick could hold some sway too, in his role as consultant to support the new manager, to convince the player of the club’s direction.
With each and every week, Nkunku is adding to his value. With 38 goal contributions already, don’t be surprised if he pushes towards 50 by time the season concludes.
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