Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United consider making a summer bid for RB Leipzig full-back Nordi Mukiele
According to Foot Mercato (h/t Express), Manchester United are looking into making a transfer approach for RB Leipzig star Nordi Mukiele at the end of the season, with an eye on reinforcing their defensive line.
Mukiele has excelled for Leipzig this term, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice at right-back. He has been a constant presence in the team, as the German club looked to punch above their weight in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Europa League.
Having joined the side in 2018 from Montpellier, the 24-year-old will enter the final year of his current deal in the 2022/23 season. With this campaign’s Europa League semi-finalists set to lose the player for free next summer, perhaps they could be tempted with an offer to cash in on their defender.
The Red Devils could very well take an active interest in Mukiele, after enduring a season that has not seen a lot of clean sheets. Their defensive line has failed to hold its ground against stronger opposition, with only David de Gea able to hold his head up high in terms of performing well.
Heavy interest from Europe
However, United will face heavy competition from several European sides for the Frenchman’s signature at the end of the season, as clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all interested in signing the defender.
Although a full-back, the Leipzig star has been playing as a right wing-back this campaign. The player has proven to be versatile in his position and could prove to be a useful addition for the Manchester side. The English club currently have Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in that role.
Dalot and Wan-Bissaka have been switching between themselves as the side’s first-choice at right-back, with neither of them able to nail down a starting spot in the team. Last season saw the former sent out on loan to AC Milan, while the latter established himself as the starting defender on the right.
This season, however, the tables have turned under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. He has preferred to rely on the more attack-minded Dalot over his teammate, with the Portuguese star enjoying a consistent run of minutes on the pitch.
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Although Rangnick will leave his current role in the summer and begin a new position as a consultant to the club, he could yet play an important role in helping United sign Mukiele ahead of the new season. The German is familiar with the defender during his time at Leipzig in the past, and could perhaps convince the player to move to Old Trafford.
The Frenchman’s fine form and versatility could make him an upgrade on the English side’s current options at right-back. However, the final decision to pursue the player will be up to Erik ten Hag, who will take charge as the team’s permanent manager in the summer.
