Man United transfer targets have been the source of much speculation recently. The English giants have disappointed this season, particularly in the Premier League.
The Red Devils won their last three Premier League games, but that’s not enough. Ralf Rangnick’s job is to take the club to the top four again as soon as possible.
To do that, United will need to improve their midfield and defence. This season, they have conceded 24 goals, the most for any club in the Premier League’s top eight.
According to The Athletic, Rangnick has identified a tall midfielder as his top priority. Given United’s defensive woes, it makes sense for them to target defensive midfielders and left-backs for the January transfer window.
Let’s go over some of their options.
Declan Rice, West Ham
The West Ham midfielder is a long-term Man United transfer target. The England international is having yet another outstanding season. He has intercepted 53 balls so far in this Premier League season, behind only Southampton’s Valentino Livramento.
In order to buy Rice, United would probably have to sell a few players. His market price stands at a staggering £63.00m, but United need him urgently, and they will probably have to pay a bit more to get him now. They could sweeten the deal with Jesse Lingard, who shined for West Ham last season while on loan.
Alternate targets include Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic and Wolves’ Ruben Neves. Both players were linked to United in the previous transfer window.
Kieran Trippier, Atletico de Madrid
It hasn’t been an easy season for Kieran Trippier, with Atletico now 17 points behind leaders Real Madrid. Atleti made some expensive signings this summer, including the returning Antoine Griezmann. They may need to raise funds if they don’t want to get in financial trouble.
United have struggled at right-back all season, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka in poor form. Trippier has previously expressed his desire to play in the Premier League again. A return to his native Greater Manchester would make sense for him and United.
If United can’t sign Trippier in January, they might try to secure the services of RB Leipzig’s Tyler Adams, Laurie Whitwell says. An American right-back who can also play in the midfield, Adams has been solid for Leipzig this season.
Amadou Haidara, Red Bull Leipzig
United fans will be familiar with Haidara, who scored against them in the Champions League last season. So will Ralf Rangnick, who already managed him during the 2018-19 season. The 23-year-old Malian has previously been linked to United.
Standing at 5 ft 9 in, Haidara doesn’t quite fit the bill for the tall midfielder United seek. However, he makes up for his lack of height with his tactical savviness and mobility. He is an excellent passer who could grant United the creativity they desperately need in midfield.
Haidara is a United fan and would welcome the move.
Monaco’s Aurélien Tchouaméni could be another option if United can’t sign Haidara. The 21-year-old French box-to-box was recently linked to United.
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