Rangnick tells Man Utd board to target Haaland and £123m trio

Will Ford

Ralf Rangnick reportedly told the Manchester United bosses to target a midfield trio, as well as Erling Haaland, in his interview to become their new manager.

The German was hired by United on an interim basis until the end of the season having impressed football director John Murtough, technical director Darren Fletcher and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in interview.

Rangnick identified the midfield as the key area of weakness while in talks with the United hierarchy and suggested three players they should be targeting to improve them in that area.


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ESPN claims he told ‘scouts to take a closer look at RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara’, while Jude Bellingham and Kalvin Phillips were also suggested up as potential targets.

And it’s also said that Bellingham’s Borussia Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland was also brought up by Rangnick, as he encouraged the board to battle for his signature when his £68m release clause comes into effect in the summer.

Fred and Scott McTominay started Rangnick’s first game in charge – the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace – and the new boss was pleased with the performances of the duo.

“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.”

And McTominay has hailed the influence of Rangnick, who’s implemented significant changes in a short space of time.

“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,” McTominay told Sky Sports News.

“If players are not doing what you are asking, then he is not shy to tell you as well. The first early impressions are very, very good.

“We had a good result against Crystal Palace and hopefully now we can move forward now and keep winning football games.”