Varun Pai
Ralf Rangnick to be backed by Manchester United in January by signing a holding midfielder
According to Manchester Evening News, Ralf Rangnick is set to be backed by Manchester United in the January transfer window by signing a holding midfielder.
The Red Devils splashed the cash in the summer and signed the crème de la crème of football. They strengthened the attack and the defence but failed to bring in a competent midfielder. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was apparently privately unhappy about the situation, but the club may not repeat the same mistake with Rangnick.
The German apparently prefers to have two holding midfielders in his system. RB Leipzig ace Amadou Haidara has garnered interest, especially since Rangnick was the sporting director of the Red Bull group for eight long years. However, he is not the only one the club have thought about signing.
Declan Rice was one of the names, but his £100million valuation thwarted most suitors. Aurelien Tchouameni was linked as well, but Man United did not make a move for the Frenchman. They tried to hold talks with Eduardo Camavinga in the summer, but a deal failed to get off the ground as he preferred a move to Spain before eventually joining Real Madrid.
Desperate need for a holding midfielder
Man United have suffered in recent seasons due to the lack of a quality holding midfielder. The traditional Top 6 in England possess sublime talent in midfield, but that is one area we have failed to strengthen in the last three-four years.
Fred and Scott McTominay are inconsistent in their form and seem like they have a mistake in them every now and then. While they have impressed in recent weeks, it remains to be seen if they can mould themselves into players that make the club not want to splurge on a new signing in that area.
Nemanja Matic is set to be out of contract in 2023 and does not really have the legs to play as an energetic No 6 anymore. Paul Pogba is out of contract in the summer and could leave on a free transfer, and most of his time at Old Trafford has been subpar.
Haidara would be a good signing in January. But it remains to be seen whether RB Leipzig are ready to let go of their lung-bursting midfielder. Rangnick has a massive job on his hands, especially since the 13-time Premier League champions would be hoping to land a Top 4 spot.
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They have produced an attacking brand of football under the German coach, but it is still early days. Once the ‘bounce’ of hiring a new manager disappears, our strengths shall be put to the sword. The squad has enough quality going forward and is just about good at the back. The centre of the pitch needs some rejuvenation and the January transfer window would be a good time to do so. Hopefully, the board backs Rangnick during the all-important month.
