Ralf Rangnick reportedly told higher-ups at Manchester United that their midfield was ‘weak’ during his interview for the interim manager’s role last month.
The German coach impressed football director John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward during talks for the temporary role, where he pointed out where the team needed to improve to get them back to winning titles again.
According to ESPN, Rangnick is said to have earmarked RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips as potential targets in the transfer window.
Ralf Rangnick said Manchester United’s midfield was ‘weak’ in his interview for the job
The report goes on to claim that Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is also another key target United should be pursuing next summer.
United are willing to back Rangnick in the January transfer window but both manager and club are expecting it to be fairly quiet, with players leaving the Old Trafford higher on the agenda.
Bellingham has emerged as a target for a number of Premier League sides since breaking out at Birmingham before getting his move to Dortmund, where he continues to shine.
United also sent scouts to watch Haidara with Leizpig in recent weeks, with the 23-year-old understood to have a £33million release clause.
United sent scouts to check on Red Bull Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara last month
Dortmund and England star Bellingham is being linked with a return to England in the future
Leeds star Phillips is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines with Leeds, with the England man out with a hamstring injury, which could see him drop down United’s wishlist for the time being.
Rangnick’s criticism of United’s ‘weak’ midfield is nothing new.
Their current double midfield-pivot of Scott McTominay and Fred, known online as ‘McFred’, have come under heavy criticism in recent months, with the pair often blamed for the club’s shortcomings under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Norwegian, who was sacked as the club’s manager last month, favoured the duo but they were often blamed whenever United lost.
Rangnick started McTominay and Fred in his first game as interim boss – a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last Sunday – and was pleased with their contributions, while still noting there was plenty of room for improvement.
Fred (left) and Scott McTominay (right) are often criticised as the weak links in United’s squad
‘They did one or two or three mistakes, especially in the first half there were two square passes; one from Scott, one from Fred,’ Rangnick said.
‘I don’t like those kinds of balls in midfield in those positions. But overall, when the other team is in possession of the ball, both Fred and Scotty they are almost perfect for that kind of football.’
McTominay revealed he and his United team-mates were impressed with Rangnick and his direct approach in training.
‘The first early impressions are very, very good,’ McTominay told Sky Sports News.
‘He’s very firm, very driven and knows what he wants. In meetings he is very clear, that’s the way it is in football. To get your point across, you have to be clear and you have to be forceful.
‘If players are not doing what you are asking, then he is not shy to tell you as well.
McTominay has since defended his partnership with Brazilian Fred, known online as ‘McFred’
‘We had a good result against Crystal Palace and hopefully now we can move forward now and keep winning football games.’
The Scotland international admitted he and Fred have struggled at times in a chaotic campaign but insisted he always gives his all whenever he puts on a red shirt.
‘Sometimes games are difficult. We have had difficult moments this season as a squad, and us both as individuals, that’s part and parcel of the game,’ McTominay added
‘I have got nothing else to say other than I give absolutely everything, I am trying my best to improve, to learn. A new coach has come in and I am doing everything that I can possibly do.
‘You just have got to get on with it and be thick-skinned. People can say what they want but ultimately it’s me that’s in my own head, and I know what I am doing behind closed doors is the best thing.’
Rangnick revealed he was keen to work with the club’s academy in his interview, with the German handing debuts to teenage duo Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal on Wednesday
As well as improving the team with additional midfield recruits, Rangnick expressed his desire to work with the team’s academy and help unearth the next Marcus Rashford or Mason Greenwood.
ESPN went on to claim that promoting youth from the club’s academy was seen as a major positive from Rangnick’s interview for Murtough and Woodward.
The German boss handed debuts to teenage duo Charlie Savage and Zidane Iqbal in United’s final Champions League group stage game against Young Boys on Wednesday, which finished in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.