Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United risk losing out on RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara to Newcastle United
As per the Mirror (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United could miss out on signing RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara this transfer window, with Newcastle United looking to swoop in and steal the player from the Red Devils’ grasps.
Haidara has been linked to a move to Old Trafford in January, given his relationship with Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The duo worked together during the latter’s time in the Bundesliga. Rangnick however, does not expect any transfer activity to take place this month, despite having the midfielder high up in his wishlist.
With the Red Devils remaining inactive so far during this transfer window, newly-rich Newcastle United are said to be interested in making a move for Haidara. The Magpies are in desperate need of an injection of quality and could benefit from the Red Devils’ stance.
Haidara has been identified by Rangnick to be the midfielder that his squad needs to take them to the next level. RB Leipzig are open to selling the Mali international and is reported to have verbally agreed to a £33m fee with Rangnick for the midfielder’s services.
However, the Red Devils have not yet tabled a formal offer to Leipzig to acquire Haidara. Senior officials at the Old Trafford outfit are said to be reluctant to give Rangnick free reign over transfers since he only remains an interim coach till the end of the season.
Given all this discussion happening behind the scenes and no transfer activity happening from Manchester, Newcastle are now determined to steal Haidara from under our noses. The 23-year-old is currently away on national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations and continues to enhance his reputation.
It is no secret that Man United are desperate for a midfielder at the moment, with their current setup in the middle of the park proving to be a weak link for the team. This was evident once again in Saturday’s clash away against Aston Villa, where we squandered a two-goal lead to draw the game 2-2.
Rangnick’s previous stint at RB Leipzig seems to have given us an advantage in signing Haidara. However, we seem to be reluctant to make a move in January. If recent rumours are to be believed, then Newcastle could provide a big blow to us and snap up the midfielder this month.
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Our performances in the midfield have cost us valuable points this season. We have been crying out for a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder for the past few seasons now, and yet the Man United board have not shown any urgency in addressing this deficiency.
It will be wise for us to move for Haidara this transfer window and snap up him soon. Else, we face yet another spell without the defensive steel we so desperately crave in the middle of the park.
