Ralf Rangnick’s arrival at Manchester United brings with it the promise of a new beginning at Old Trafford.
The 63-year-old wanted to become United’s interim boss on the basis he would be offered a consultancy role thereafter. The club agreed, and once Rangnick hands the reins to a permanent manager in the summer, he will then head upstairs to work closely with football director John Murtough.
Described as “one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football” by Murtough, Rangnick’s pedigree stretches to recruitment, with RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg boasting an impressive alumni thanks to his input.
United fans will be hoping this eye for talent – and a bargain – can improve the club’s recruitment going forward, and after a handful of games in December, Rangnick can look to reinforcements once the January transfer window opens.
Man Utd squad assessment: Where are the weaknesses?
The string of results which resulted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking featured some at-times calamitous defending, and with a considerably worse record than those above them in the Premier League table, this is an area which Rangnick needs to address.
Whether that means a change of personnel remains to be seen. Summer signing Raphael Varane was brought in to partner Harry Maguire at centre-back, but his absence due to a hamstring injury has severely affected the side.
He will be the proverbial “new signing” upon his return, but one position United may look to strengthen in is at right-back. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a regular in the starting XI, but arguably only through a lack of competition, which may no longer be the case come January (see below).
Meanwhile, the ongoing dilemma in midfield will probably see Rangnick trial Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic throughout December, but supporters’ calls for a defensive midfielder grow louder by the month.
In terms of forward options, United are pretty stacked. The conundrum is how to piece it all together, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial all essentially fighting for the three attacking roles in front of Bruno Fernandes.
Outcast Donny van de Beek could yet prove to be a wild card, but Jesse Lingard appears to be on his way out after contract talks reportedly stalled.
January transfer window 2022 dates
When does it open? Saturday 1 January for Premier League and EFL clubs, as well as Ligue 1, Bundesliga – La Liga and Serie A set to open on 3 January
When is deadline day? Friday 31 January, with varying closing times across Europe – Premier League/EFL deadline 11pm GMT
Who could leave Man Utd?
Rangnick coming in could put a stop to the players who were potentially heading for the exit door at United, but those on the fringes under Solskjaer will soon learn where they stand with the interim boss.
Donny van de Beek may look to leave if he continues to be starved of opportunities, and the bookmakers have short odds on the Dutch midfielder joining Wolves, Everton or Newcastle in the January window.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard’s contract expires in the summer, but he has been linked with a mid-season return to West Ham, having flourished there on loan last term.
Lingard came back to Old Trafford in the hope he would get more minutes after fighting his way back into England contention, but that has not materialised and has instead increased talk of a permanent move to West Ham.
There are also reports Juan Mata could leave before his deal runs out in the summer, while right-back Diogo Dalot is said to be a target for Jose Mourinho at Roma.
And having lost the battle for the gloves to David de Gea, the possibility of Dean Henderson being loaned out was reported by Manchester Evening News, although Rangnick may be reluctant to lose a quality back-up.
Contract concerns
The future of Paul Pogba could become a little clearer in January, with the French midfielder able to discuss a possible summer move with overseas clubs given his contract expires at the end of the season.
Pogba on a free transfer will alert a number of clubs across Europe, although his wage demands could prove too costly for some with Mino Raiola his agent.
Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to sign Pogba, with a return to Juventus also possible, likewise a move to Spain with either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
And while contracts for Lingard and Mata are likely to run down if they do not move on in January, the club will sit down with Edinson Cavani in the coming months to discuss his future.
The 34-year-old agreed a one-year extension back in May, but the Uruguayan is expected to move on in a summer where United will join the chase for Erling Haaland.
Who could Man Utd sign?
With right-back seemingly the top priority, Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier has been linked with United by AS Sport.
The reports are nothing new, with the England full-back said to have been a target for United in the summer, while Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey is also featuring in transfer gossip columns.
Elsewhere, Rangnick’s RB Leipzig ties have seen Amadou Haidara touted as a possible midfield solution. The Daily Mail claim United have scouted the 23-year-old, who could cost £33m and is capable of playing both as a No 6 and No 8.
The Daily Mirror say Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku is another target. The versatile 24-year-old, who plays across the midfield, scored seven Champions League goals in the opening five group games – including a hat-trick in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City.
Perhaps a more surprising name linked with United is Timo Werner. The Chelsea striker was signed by Rangnick for Leipzig, and the new United boss’ close ties with Thomas Tuchel could see discussions take place, although that may not be until the summer according to Bild reporter Christian Falk.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3ogm3oH
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