Manchester United are struggling to qualify for the Champions League and interim manager Ralf Rangnick must make a big signing in January to salvage their season
Video Unavailable
Ralf Rangnick discusses future of Jesse Lingard ahead of West Ham fixture
It’s been a tough season for Manchester United fans… and there are still four months to go.
The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League but face a battle to qualify for the Champions League and end their five-year trophy drought.
Most critics would accept United’s biggest problem is their unconvincing central midfield, with incumbent pair Fred and Scott McTominay offering little defensive protection.
United have conceded 30 goals in the Premier League this season – more than basement club Burnley.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick must fix their leaky midfield but – according to the Manchester Evening News – United are unlikely to sign a central midfielder in January.
Who should Manchester United sign in January? Let us know in the comments below!
(
Image:
PA)
It’s believed the club are putting together a shortlist and have decided their ‘biggest problem’ is in central midfield.
They are looking to make a move in the summer, with West Ham star Declan Rice being touted.
That, however, isn’t a great plan. United need to sign a central midfielder in January. They can’t keep kicking this problem into the long grass.
Their midfield hasn’t been the same since Ander Herrera left Old Trafford for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2019.
Fred and McTominay give their all for the team, yet huge question marks remain regarding whether they can get the club where they need to be.
Nemanja Matic is ageing whilst Paul Pogba looks to be heading for an exit after failing to live up to expectations.
Signing a central midfielder is easier said than done. Rice – believed to be United’s preferred target – will not leave the Hammers in January.
West Ham are currently battling for a Champions League spot and have a decent chance of winning the Europa League. There’s no way Rice would risk throwing that all away.
The England international, 23, is also rated at £100million, a figure United may struggle to afford.
Rangnick’s scouts are also thought to be unconvinced by Borussia Monchengladbach ace Denis Zakaria, while fellow target and RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara is also on Newcastle’s radar.
Nevertheless, United still have options. According to Spanish outlet Marca, they are ‘closing in’ on Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara.
(
Image:
SIPA USA/PA Images)
The France youth international, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season and would be available for a relatively small fee.
“This kid is a phenomenon,” explained former Marseille defender Rolando in May 2020, as quoted by Africa Top Sports.
“When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.”
Kamara would be a gamble, but he has a promising CV and is surely a risk worth taking considering United’s worrying situation and his current deal.
As Red Devils legend Paul Parker said earlier this month, “United have a relegation standard midfield at this moment in time. It’s a poor midfield and everybody knows it.”
Rangnick must do all he can to improve that department in January. This is one problem that cannot wait until the summer.
Read More
Read More
