Manchester United Transfer News: 5 CDM’s Man United could sign – It has been just 3 matches since Ralf Rangnick took over Manchester United while the other two league games had to be postponed due to a Covid outbreak at the club. With games coming thick and fast, the German would like to have more time on the training pitch with his players to improve them tactically over the festive period. The next test is a Boxing day fixture against 19th Newcastle United. Follow the latest Football news and updates on InsideSport.IN
Ralf Rangnick is keen to add a defensive midfielder to the Manchester United squad in the January transfer market. Even though he has been impressed with Fred and Scott McTominay being his go-to partnership so far. Take a look at the 5 rock-solid defensive midfielders Ralf Rangnick is tempted by and could definitely add one of them to the squad.
Ralf Rangnick was appointed as the interim manager in late November and could be provided with £100million funds to be used for getting in players with the quality and mentality of winning on board, with the Transfer market just a few days away. The German used his trademark 4-2-2-2 formation to good use so far.
Fred and Scott McTominay started the 1-0 victories over Crystal Palace and Norwich with the manager being very impressed with Fred’s goal and his work rate but an aging Nemanja Matic and injury-prone Paul Pogba who is seen as an attacking midfielder along with Donny Van de Beek, Rangnick doesn’t have many options for the defensive midfield role.
Manchester United Transfer News: 5 defensive midfielders Man United could sign under Rangnick in the January Transfer Window
Manchester United Transfer Target: Amadou Haidara
Age: 23
Appearances: 18
Goals/assists this season: 3/0
Under contract till: one and a half 2025
The RB Leipzig star is arguably the obvious player for United to target due to his relationship with Rangnick, who served as sporting director of the Red Bull stable of clubs for eight years.
Haidara joined Red Bull Salzburg in July 2016 and made the step up to Leipzig one-and-a-half years later, going on to make 101 appearances for the rising Bundesliga force. Haidara speaking to Foot Mali said, “My dream club is Manchester United, I will fight with all my strength to one day play for that club.”
Rangnick’s relationship with the player and his club could aid United in negotiations, but they will also need to take into account the fact Haidara will represent Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Manchester United Transfer News: 5 defensive midfielders Man United could sign under Rangnick in the January Transfer Window
Manchester United Transfer Target: Jude Bellingham
Age: 18
Appearances: 27
Goals/assists this season: 3/9
Under contract until: 2025
As European wonderkidswonder kids go, the Borussia Dortmund sensation is right up there with the most exciting. He is one of the star names in Europe having played in the starting 11 of England too.
Bellingham has developed into a brilliant, well-rounded operator since moving to Germany from Birmingham City in July 2020, and he is frequently linked with a return to his homeland to join United or Liverpool.
It will take a huge bid to force Dortmund to part ways with the England international, but Rangnick is already understood to have sounded him out as a potential target.
Manchester United Transfer News: 5 defensive midfielders Man United could sign under Rangnick in the January Transfer Window
Manchester United Transfer Target: Kalvin Phillips
Age: 26
Appearances: 22
Goals/assists this season: 1/1
Under contract until: 2024
Five of Leeds’ seven Premier League defeats this season have come without Phillips in the starting XI, showing just how important he is for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Alongside Declan Rice for England, they both looked rock-solid at the back while also helping the team in attacking.
He has also proven himself at the international level as a key member of the England line-up which reached the final of Euro 2020 this summer. Phillips’ impressive rise has earned him many admirers and Rangnick may view him as a solid option who could provide the foundations for United’s star-studded attack to shine.
Manchester United Transfer News: 5 defensive midfielders Man United could sign under Rangnick in the January Transfer Window
7 years ago was the start of my first team journey, haven’t changed much 😂🤍 @LUFC pic.twitter.com/syOOJ0fZxL
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips) December 21, 2021
Manchester United Transfer Target: Aurelien Tchouameni
Age: 21
Appearances: 32
Goals/assists this season: 2/0
Under contract until: 2024
Another of Europe’s brightest midfield talents, Monaco’s Tchouameni could be on the move before long having established himself in the senior France squad. The Red Devils decided not to pursue the youngster last summer but may return in the January window with renewed interest if Rangnick deems him a good fit.
Tchouameni already has a strong relationship with Pogba and partnered him in the center of the park as France defeated Spain in October’s Nations League final.
Manchester United Transfer Target: Declan Rice
Age: 22
Appearances: 26
Goals/assists this season: 4/3
Under contract until: 2024 with the option for another year
United have a long-standing interest in the West Ham vice-captain, who continues to go from strength to strength with each passing term at the London Stadium. Rice helped the Irons finish in the Europa League spots last season and is aiming to go one better this time around by securing Champions League qualification.
Chelsea’s Frank Lampard was keen on signing the England midfielder as he is also in a good relationship with Mason Mount but things didn’t go according to plan for Lampard.
Of any player on this list, the former Chelsea academy star could have the highest price tag, with David Moyes repeatedly stressing it would take an astronomical bid to force West Ham to sell up.
Manchester United Transfer News: 5 defensive midfielders Man United could sign under Rangnick in the January Transfer Window
Editors pick
